Water heaters and immersion heaters market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for water heaters and immersion heaters in Romania expanded, reaching 984 thousand units in 2020. This growth coincided with the introduction of technical norms for connecting prosumers to the public electricity grid, which facilitated the integration of renewable energy and may have supported demand for electric water heaters. Simultaneously, updated EU energy labeling requirements and technological advancements in instantaneous electric water heaters, offering improved energy efficiency and temperature control, contributed to product diversification and consumer interest.

Market volume then contracted in 2021 and 2022, falling to 788 thousand units. This period saw the adoption of stricter building energy performance regulations and the implementation of compensation schemes for vulnerable energy consumers, which altered consumption patterns. The energy crisis of 2022, which triggered significant increases in electricity and gas prices, raised operating costs for electric heating systems and likely dampened demand. Furthermore, updated technical safety norms for electrical installations in buildings introduced additional compliance considerations for heating equipment.

A recovery began in 2023, with the market growing to 931 thousand units and reaching 1.06 million units in 2024. This rebound was supported by increased consumer interest in highly efficient electric heating solutions, such as underfloor heating and infrared radiant panels, driven by ongoing concerns over energy costs. Continued regulatory updates focusing on fire safety, energy efficiency, and the rollout of infrastructure for electric vehicles, which promotes broader electrification, also provided a conducive environment for market expansion.

Production water heaters and immersion heaters in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output value of water heaters and immersion heaters in Romania was 428.4 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production increased by 17.8%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

In 2020, Romania produced 9,145 units of water heaters and immersion heaters, showing no significant change from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production rose by 27.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

Exports water heaters and immersion heaters from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 23 thousand units and peaked in 2020 at 154 thousand units, with a 6.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, deliveries from Romania surged by 400.4% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 20.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Bulgaria, and Poland were the main destinations for Romania's exports of water heaters and immersion heaters in kind. Italy accounted for 48.9% of exports, Bulgaria for 18.3%, and Poland for 11.0%, together making up 78.2% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values hit a low in 2018 at 1,388 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 3,494 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.5-fold variation. In 2020, exports increased sharply by 132.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, dropping by 32.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Italy, and Poland were the primary destinations for Romania's exports in value terms. Bulgaria represented 30.3% of exports, Italy 24.1%, and Poland 18.8%, collectively accounting for 73.1% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports water heaters and immersion heaters to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

Romania's imports of water heaters and immersion heaters in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1,130 thousand units, marking a solid rise of 18.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 31.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Bulgaria were the main sources for Romania's imports in kind. China contributed 54.9% of imports, Italy 18.6%, and Bulgaria 11.8%, together representing 85.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's imports of water heaters and immersion heaters in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 32,347 thousand US dollars, indicating an uptick of 12.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 27.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading sources for Romania's imports in value terms were Italy, Bulgaria, and China. Italy accounted for 37.0% of imports, Bulgaria for 30.0%, and China for 15.0%, jointly making up 81.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020