Wheat and meslin market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the wheat and meslin market volume in Romania remained stable at around 5.0 million tons annually. Production was supported by improved productivity through the adoption of modern agricultural technology and high-quality wheat varieties. In 2020, the market contracted sharply to 3.3 million tons as unfavorable weather conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in domestic production. The market rebounded to 4.5 million tons in 2021, driven by recovering global grain demand after the pandemic, which boosted production and exports.

In 2022, market volume declined to 4.0 million tons due to a 10-15% reduction in domestic production, pressured by rising fertilizer and diesel costs, along with the implementation of EU soil protection rules (GAEC) that increased cultivation expenses. By 2023, the market fell further to 2.3 million tons as strong international demand from Asia and disruptions to Black Sea grain corridors led to a surge in exports, reducing domestic availability. For 2024, factors point to continued export opportunities to Africa and Asia amid shifting global trade patterns, while new EU ecological product regulations may influence production practices.

Production wheat and meslin in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Romania ranked as the 17th largest producer of wheat and meslin from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, wheat and meslin production in Romania experienced a decline. In 2019, production peaked at 10 297 K t, but by 2020, it had dropped sharply to 6 392 K t, marking a 37.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 36.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 14.0%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, at 1.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of upward movement, the value of wheat and meslin production in Romania turned downward. In 2019, output reached its highest point at 2 116 M $ US, but in 2020, it fell to 1 396 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 34.0% drop compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 28%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.4%. The most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 8.7%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin from Romania

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, the volume of wheat and meslin exports from Romania declined. In 2019, exports hit a maximum of 6 189 K t, but by 2020, they had decreased to 4 344 K t, a 29.8% reduction year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports fell by 25.7%, with a CAGR of -9.4%. The largest increase was observed in 2019, at 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of Romania's wheat and meslin exports in kind was highly diversified. The top three destinations—Egypt (18.2% of exports in kind), Jordan (12.5%), and Spain (9.7%)—collectively accounted for just 40.4% of total flows. The remaining 59.6% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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, M $ US

Following two years of improvement, the value of Romania's wheat and meslin exports declined. In 2019, exports reached their peak at 1 272 M $ US, but in 2020, they dropped to 949 M $ US, representing a 25.4% loss compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 16%, equating to an annualized rate of -5.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 8.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the value of wheat and meslin exports from Romania was relatively evenly distributed. Egypt (18.6% of exports in value terms), Jordan (12.4%), and Spain (9.0%) together made up only 39.9% of total flows, with the rest spread among other partners.

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 to Romania

Imports in kind, K t

The volume of wheat and meslin imports into Romania increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports were at their lowest point, 695 K t, but by 2020, they had risen to approximately 1 226 K t, showing a 39.2% increase over the past year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 44.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Bulgaria consistently dominated Romania's wheat and meslin imports in kind, accounting for 93.1% of the total. This indicates a high degree of concentration, with a long tail of smaller markets making up the remainder.

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, M $ US

Wheat and meslin imports into Romania grew for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports were at their minimum, 136 M $ US, but by 2020, they had increased to 254 M $ US, a 43.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 11%, with an annualized rate of 3.5%. The largest decline was in 2018, at 40.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Hungary and Bulgaria were the primary partners for Romania's wheat and meslin imports in value terms, together holding a combined share of 91.9% of total flows. Other countries accounted for the rest.

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

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