Wheat groats and meal market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for wheat groats and meal in Romania fluctuated in line with changes in domestic wheat output. Growth in 2018 and 2019 was underpinned by expanded cultivation areas and the introduction of innovative whole milling technologies by local processors. The year 2020 saw a contraction, as unfavorable weather sharply reduced the wheat harvest, constraining the raw material supply. The COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously shifted demand towards household consumption, though this was insufficient to counter the overall volume decline.

From 2021 to 2023, the market navigated a series of external shocks. A rebound in wheat production and persistent consumer demand for staples supported volume growth in 2021. The following year, severe drought and high input costs pressured local supply, but substantial imports of Ukrainian grain helped stabilize the market volume, aided by state support schemes for processors. In 2023, however, continued high energy and raw material costs led to elevated consumer prices, reducing consumption despite increased wheat sowing and the entry of new international players into the retail sector.

In 2024, the market volume for wheat groats and meal recovered, reaching 16 361 tons.

Production wheat groats and meal in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Romania, the output value of wheat groats and meal reached 3,405 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 16.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, production grew by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,919 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania produced 4,743 tonnes of wheat groats and meal in 2020, showing a modest 0.8% gain compared to the previous year. The lowest production volume occurred in 2019 at 4,707 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.5%.

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

Exports wheat groats and meal from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's wheat groats and meal exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 907 tonnes, reflecting an 86.5% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 200.4%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 44.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Serbia remained the top three markets for Romania's wheat groats and meal exports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 73.2% of total flows.

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

Romania's cross-border shipments of wheat groats and meal have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 476 thousand US dollars, representing a 72.9% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 142.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 34.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Serbia were the primary destinations for Romania's wheat groats and meal exports in value terms, with shares of 41.0%, 26.0%, and 7.3%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 74.3% of total export flows.

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 groats and meal to Romania

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 at 11,693 tonnes and fell to their lowest point in 2017 at 4,178 tonnes, representing a 2.8-fold swing. In 2020, cross-border shipments of wheat groats and meal to Romania reached 9,949 tonnes, down 14.9% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 108.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary was by far the main source for Romania's wheat groats and meal imports in volume terms, accounting for 95.5% of total 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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 3,666 thousand US dollars, while the lowest occurred in 2017 at 1,309 thousand US dollars, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.8 times. In 2020, Romania's wheat groats and meal import value was 3,208 thousand US dollars, down 12.5% from the previous year. The largest increase was in 2018 at 111.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of wheat groats and meal to Romania in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in Hungary, which held a 93.1% share.

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

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