Woven handkerchiefs market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian woven handkerchief market underwent a sharp decline from 2018 to 2021, with its value dropping from 611.4 thousand US dollars to 230.2 thousand. This contraction was primarily triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which severely disrupted consumer demand and manufacturing operations. The downward trend continued into 2021 as the industry grappled with significantly higher raw material prices and increased logistics costs, compressing market volume further.

By 2023, the market value showed a slight recovery to 244.2 thousand US dollars, indicating a stabilization after the earlier shocks. This partial rebound coincided with the gradual normalization of supply chains and consumption patterns following the peak of the pandemic.

Production woven handkerchiefs in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, $ US

In 2019, Romania's woven handkerchief production was valued at 15 927 US dollars, marking a slight increase of 1.7% compared to 2018. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 15 663 US dollars, with the largest decline of 15.8% occurring that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, production decreased by 14.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 5.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2019, Romania produced 64 162 units of woven handkerchiefs, a significant increase of 94.9% from the previous year. Production peaked in 2020 at 64 162 units, while the lowest point was recorded in 2019, resulting in a 1.9-fold variation between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.7%, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 94.9%.

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

Exports woven handkerchiefs from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export volumes varied 2.9 times, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Romania's woven handkerchief exports reached 66 000 units, representing a robust decline of 24.4% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 87 000 units, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 91.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium was the principal market for Romania's woven handkerchief exports, accounting for 78.9% of total exports in kind, while other destinations formed a less significant tail.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values varied by a factor of 2, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Romania's woven handkerchief exports reached 70 300 US dollars, which is 24.1% lower than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 92 600 US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 76.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Italy, and France were the main buyers of Romania's woven handkerchiefs in value terms. Belgium accounted for 58.2% of exports, Italy for 6.2%, and France for 6.0%, together comprising 70.4% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports woven handkerchiefs to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

Romania's woven handkerchief imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 1 069 000 units, amounting to a sharp decline of 53.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 61.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 27.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China remained the dominant partner for Romania's woven handkerchief imports in kind, with a share of 75.7% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Import values reached their highest point in 2018 and their lowest in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, Romania's woven handkerchief imports stood at 315 900 US dollars, representing a sharp reduction of 46.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 677 500 US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 72.6%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Italy, China, and Spain were the largest suppliers of woven handkerchiefs to Romania in value terms. Italy accounted for 25.6% of imports, China for 18.0%, and Spain for 9.5%, together forming 53.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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