Wool and fine hair knitted jerseys market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wool and fine hair knitted jerseys in Romania contracted significantly from 5.2 million units in 2018 to 2.7 million units in 2024, with domestic production falling from 8.5 million to 4.3 million units over the same period. This decline was accompanied by reduced imports and exports, indicating a broader shrinkage in market activity.

Amid this downturn, the social enterprise Made in Roșia Montană emerged, focusing on handmade, sustainable knitted products from merino wool. Its growth involved digitalization, store openings, and designer collaborations, representing a shift toward niche, quality-oriented production that emphasized slow fashion and ethical practices.

In 2024, a major investment was announced for Europe's largest wool processing plant in Făgețelu, Olt county, with a capacity to process 25 000 tons of raw wool annually, primarily for industrial uses. Additionally, upcoming EU regulations, such as the ban on destroying unsold clothing from 2026 and extended producer responsibility schemes, began influencing the textile industry's sustainability landscape in Romania.

Production wool and fine hair knitted jerseys in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's wool and fine hair knitted jerseys production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 91.7 million US dollars, marking a 9.5% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 21.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 7.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Romania's wool and fine hair knitted jerseys production volume has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 5 567 thousand units were produced, reflecting a significant 23.6% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 39.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.6%.

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

Exports wool and fine hair knitted jerseys from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

Romania's wool and fine hair knitted jerseys export volume has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 2 955 thousand units, representing a strong 13.2% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 21.7%, with an annualized decline rate of 7.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 518 thousand units, which saw a 19.8% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 24.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Croatia, and France were the top buyers of wool and fine hair knitted jerseys from Romania in volume terms. Italy accounted for 49.4% of exports, Croatia for 18.1%, and France for 8.7%. Together, these three countries made up 76.2% 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

Wool and fine hair knitted jerseys exports from Romania have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 76 652 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual 5.9% fall compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 91 641 thousand US dollars, which saw an 18.7% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.1% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Germany were the main buyers of wool and fine hair knitted jerseys from Romania in value terms. Italy accounted for 57.2% of exports, France for 11.5%, and Germany for 10.2%. Combined, these three countries comprised 78.8% 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 wool and fine hair knitted jerseys to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

The market showed volatility during these years. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.3 times. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 075 thousand units, reflecting a 79.2% gain from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a 5.7% drop.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Italy, and Croatia were the key sources for imports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 35.6% of imports, Italy for 25.5%, and Croatia for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented 71.6% 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

Foreign wool and fine hair knitted jerseys supplies to Romania have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 15 307 thousand US dollars, indicating a significant 11.0% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 11%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 684 thousand US dollars, which saw an 8.6% increase.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, Croatia, and Moldova were the key partners for imports in value terms. Italy accounted for 51.6% of imports, Croatia for 7.8%, and Moldova for 7.4%. Together, these three countries made up 66.8% 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