Women's knitted blouses and shirts market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for women's knitted blouses and shirts in Romania benefited from rising fashion consumption, with foreign-backed retailers from China, Italy, and Turkey strengthening demand. Stable exports supported local production, contributing to a market volume of 8.3 million pieces. Subsequently, the market contracted sharply, falling to 4.4 million pieces in 2020 before a partial recovery to 5.8 million pieces in 2021.

From 2022, increased minimum wages in the textile industry raised production costs for domestic manufacturers, while a shift in consumer preferences toward online fashion shopping reshaped demand. The introduction of European sustainability initiatives in 2023 began setting new requirements for production and labeling, influencing market conditions. These factors coincided with a period of market adjustment, where volume fluctuated between 5.2 and 6.0 million pieces through 2024.

Throughout the period, the women's clothing segment remained a cornerstone of Romania's textile industry, representing over 50% of its output. This structural importance underscores the market's significance despite the observed volatility in both volume and value.

Production women's knitted blouses and shirts in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during this period. From 2018 to 2020, the peak-to-trough amplitude reached 3.7 times. In 2018, production of women's knitted blouses and shirts in Romania reached its maximum value of 71 324 K $ US, representing a substantial increase of 77.1%. However, in 2019, the largest decline was recorded at 65.6%. By 2020, output had dropped to 19 427 K $ US, marking a sharp decrease of 20.7% compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Romania's production of women's knitted blouses and shirts declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 043 K units, which represents a contraction of 38.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 58.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 25.6%.

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

Exports women's knitted blouses and shirts from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

Following a two-year reduction, Romania's exports of women's knitted blouses and shirts increased in 2020. The volume reached 3 385 K units, up by 11.3% compared to the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.4%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 3 041 K units, which also saw the largest decline of 25.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria were the principal destinations for Romania's exports of women's knitted blouses and shirts in kind. Italy accounted for 38.5% of exports, the United Kingdom for 24.6%, and Bulgaria for 21.4%. Together, these three countries represented 84.4% of total export 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 exports of women's knitted blouses and shirts declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export value stood at 16 683 K $ US, reflecting a decrease of 6.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 34.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 13.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria remained the key destinations for Romania's exports in value terms. Italy accounted for 31.0% of exports, the United Kingdom for 24.8%, and Bulgaria for 19.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 75.0% 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 women's knitted blouses and shirts to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year rise, Romania's imports of women's knitted blouses and shirts declined in 2020. The volume imported was 5 745 K units, down by 27.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 890 K units, following the largest increase of 25.1% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Turkey, and Italy were the main sources of imports in kind for women's knitted blouses and shirts to Romania. Poland accounted for 24.7% of imports, Turkey for 16.1%, and Italy for 14.0%. Together, these three countries absorbed 54.8% of total imports.

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

Following a two-year increase, Romania's imports of women's knitted blouses and shirts declined in 2020. The import value was 20 052 K $ US, representing a robust fall of 14.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 0.9%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 23 383 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 7.0%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, Poland, Bulgaria, and Italy remained the principal suppliers of women's knitted blouses and shirts to Romania in value terms. Poland accounted for 32.5% of imports, Bulgaria for 12.1%, and Italy for 8.3%. Jointly, these three countries represented 52.9% 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