Wheat and meslin flour market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin flour market in Romania remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2020, with volumes hovering between 1 112 and 1 132 thousand tons. In 2018, moderate winter and variable spring rains led to a historic wheat yield, supporting the production of high-quality flour. The following year, the EFSA's stricter daily acceptable intake for phosphates as food additives required millers to adjust their formulations. In 2020, the detection of additives in three white flour brands heightened regulatory attention on labeling and safety, though the existing 2002 quality standard remained the legal framework.

Market volume rose to 1 137 thousand tons in 2021 despite climbing energy, gas, and fuel costs that increased production expenses. That year, Puratos' analysis noted moderate flour quality fluctuations due to annual climate differences, prompting processors to refine their additive and refining processes. The trend reversed in 2022 when drought and disease in key wheat-growing regions reduced the domestic wheat harvest, driving up raw material prices and contributing to a drop in flour production. Simultaneously, massive imports of wheat and meslin flour from Ukraine put pressure on local millers, while new MADR requirements for Ukrainian imports introduced additional trade restrictions.

After falling to 1 059 thousand tons in 2023, the market partially recovered to 1 086 thousand tons in 2024.

Production wheat and meslin flour in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Romania, the output value of wheat and meslin flour reached 302.3 million US dollars in 2020, marking a modest increase of 3.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.8%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 302.8 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 3.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 9.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, wheat and meslin flour production in Romania saw an upturn. In 2020, production amounted to 961.7 thousand tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 959.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wheat and meslin flour from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a six-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Romania's cross-border shipments of wheat and meslin flour totaled 8.5 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 93.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 4.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 76.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind remained fragmented. Indonesia accounted for 20.8% of exports, Hungary for 12.5%, and Libya for 11.8%, with these three countries together making up only 45.1% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share, indicating a diversified export base.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports varied significantly, from a high in 2017 to a low in 2019, with a 3.6-fold difference. In 2020, Romania's wheat and meslin flour exports totaled 3 906 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a rise of 91.2% from 2019. The minimum value was in 2019 at 2 042 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018, with a drop of 68.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the largest buyer of wheat and meslin flour from Romania in value terms, accounting for 17.2% of exports, followed by Moldova at 13.1% and Indonesia at 12.6%. However, even combined, these three countries represented just 42.9% of total exports, highlighting a broadly diversified partner structure.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin flour imports into Romania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 158.8 thousand tonnes, which is 0.8% higher compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary dominated Romania's imports in kind of wheat and meslin flour, accounting for 72.8% of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed across multiple smaller partners.

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 wheat and meslin flour imports in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 53 024 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate uptick of 7.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 41.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary and Bulgaria dominated Romania's imports in value terms, together accounting for 80.7% of total flows. Other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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