The wood industry is a key sector of the Romanian economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the country`s socio-economic development. This article analyzes the importance of the wood industry in Romania`s GDP, providing updated statistics, trends, prices, imports, exports, and future forecasts.
According to a study by PwC, the forestry and wood processing industry in Romania contributes approximately 3.5% to the GDP, considering both direct and indirect effects on the economy. This share is significant, placing Romania ninth in the European Union in terms of the sector`s contribution to GDP, compared to the EU average of 0.4%.

In recent years, Romania`s wood industry has experienced significant fluctuations. In 2020, the revenue of wood-based industries was approximately €6.1 billion, representing 3.37% of GDP, with 142,438 employees and 13,790 active companies in the sector.
However, in 2023, production in the wood industry declined by over 30% compared to the previous year, according to industrial production indices published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) for February 2023. This drop was influenced by higher wood prices in Romania compared to other EU countries, leading to a contraction in production and the closure of some production facilities.

Wood prices in Romania have been influenced by multiple factors, including supply and demand on the international market, as well as local environmental policies and forest resource management. In 2022, wood prices increased significantly, leading to a decrease in the volume of harvested wood and a reduced contribution of the sector to GDP.
Romania has been a key player in the international wood market in terms of both exports and imports. In 2021, the more than 14,900 companies active in the forestry and wood-based industries generated revenues of over €9.7 billion, with exports accounting for over 7% of Romania`s total exports and a net foreign exchange contribution of approximately €2.2 billion.

To navigate this complex environment effectively, wood industry professionals can benefit from specialized platforms such as WoodBusinessPortal.com, which provide updated information on prices, sales offers, and purchase requests, facilitating access to resources and strategic partnerships.
The wood industry plays a significant role in Romania`s GDP but faces major challenges, including price fluctuations, declining production, and changes in import and export dynamics. To maintain competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth, industry players must adopt flexible strategies, closely monitor market trends, and use dedicated platforms to identify business opportunities and advantageous partnerships.

Sources:
1. pwc.ro
2. newsweek.ro
3. wall-street.ro
4. cursdeguvernare.ro