Romania`s forested areas are currently facing a critical phase. While exact figures are not all publicly and explicitly documented, several studies emphasize that forest losses are significant. For example, estimates regarding virgin and quasi-virgin forests place losses between 2001–2019 at around 350,000 hectares. Other data show that between 2021 and 2024, more than 4.7 million m³ of timber were extracted from almost 140,000 hectares of primary and old-growth forests.
This creates a high-risk context for the forestry and wood sector, with major implications for companies involved in logging, processing, and wood product distribution.

For professionals in the wood industry, the message is clear: there is intense pressure on timber resources, and the economic-regulatory context demands rapid adaptation.

Economic Context and Sector Overview. According to the Forest Platform report, Romania’s forestry and wood-processing sector contributes approximately 3.5% to the national GDP. The total forest area around 2015 was about 6.55 million hectares. This provides a solid foundation for the industry but also clear warnings about long-term sustainability.
Romania’s exports of wood and wood-based articles (including charcoal) reached approximately US $ 1.94 billion in 2024. In 2023, imports of wood products totaled around US $ 927 million. Romania exports mainly to countries such as Italy, Germany, Hungary, China, and Poland. Forecasts suggest that wood product sales could reach € 2.85 billion by 2028, up from € 2.44 billion in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of about 2.5%.
A 2024 report highlights that Romanian timber prices were € 20–30 per m³ higher than the European average, creating pressure on the competitiveness of local processors.

Key Business Trends and Forecasts:

- Timber resource under pressure – Significant forest losses, including in old-growth and primary areas, are likely to reduce access to low-cost raw materials in the near future.
- Shift toward value-added processing – Export trends show increasing demand for products with greater added value (furniture, panels, engineered wood). Primary operators may face challenges due to higher costs and stricter regulations.
- Rising imports – The growth in wood product imports suggests that local raw materials are becoming more expensive or less accessible, forcing the sector to rethink its supply chains.
- Sustainability and compliance (legal/ecological) – European forestry legislation, such as the EU Habitats Directive and anti-illegal logging measures, continues to create risks for companies that fail to comply with sustainability standards.
- Moderate export growth ahead – With exports expected to grow by around 2–3% annually through 2028, companies must plan investments, efficiency measures, and positioning in higher value-added market segments.

Implications for Wood Industry Professionals:

- Closely monitor raw-material costs and plan for potential shortages of affordable timber in the medium term.
- If your company operates in processing, invest in technologies that enable more efficient production, greater value-added, and product diversification.
- In export operations, focus on premium markets with demand for certified, traceable, and high-quality wood products.
- Adopt sustainability and transparency standards—these are no longer just competitive advantages but regulatory imperatives.
- Monitor import dynamics and competitors’ strategies, especially those adapting to reduced access to local raw materials.

Through WoodBusinessPortal.com, Professionals Gain Access to:

- Updated data on wood prices, volumes, imports, and exports.
- Market analyses and trends for the period 2025–2028.
- Partnership opportunities, company profiles, and relevant legislative updates.
We invite professionals in the wood industry to visit the portal to align their strategies with on-the-ground realities and capitalize on emerging opportunities — at a time when transparency and adaptability are essential for business success.

Executive Summary for Decision-Makers:

- Forest losses in Romania are significant, tightening the supply chain for the wood industry.
- Foreign trade remains solid, but rising costs are putting competitiveness under pressure.
- Investment in processing, value-added production, and sustainability is no longer optional — it is essential for future growth.

Sources:
1. reportlinker.com
2. tradingeconomics.com
3. globalforestwatch.org
4. euronatur.org
5. researchgate.net