Exporting advice
Increasingly sophisticated market
Romania is a market of 19.6 million potential consumers, with wage levels that have increased considerably in the last years and increasingly sophisticated tastes. The country has a highly skilled workforce and widespread understanding of foreign languages (especially English).
Top five UK goods exported to Romania , in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024
| Goods | Value (£ million ) |
|---|---|
| Mechanical power generators (intermediate) | |
| Road vehicles other than cars (intermediate) | |
| Textile fabrics | |
| Cars | |
| Specialised machinery (capital) |
Source:
ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: February 2025
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Romania.
Total import value (into the UK from Romania) and export value (from the UK into Romania) over time
| Year | Imports (£ billion ) | Exports (£ billion ) | Total trade (£ billion ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3.2 | 2.0 | 5.3 |
| 2017 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 6.3 |
| 2018 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 7.5 |
| 2019 | 4.4 | 2.9 | 7.3 |
| 2020 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 5.3 |
| 2021 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 6.7 |
| 2022 | 5.9 | 2.6 | 8.4 |
| 2023 | 6.9 | 2.5 | 9.4 |
Source:
ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: January 2025
Total trade is the sum of all exports and imports over the same time period.
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Romania.
Romania: at a glance
Economic growth
2.1%
Actual figure (IMF, 2023)
The UK is 0.1% (IMF, 2023, projected figure)
GDP per capita
$18,425
Actual figure (IMF, 2023)
The UK is $49,099 (IMF, 2023, projected figure)
Currency
Romania New Leu (RON)
Business language
Romanian
You're likely to need a translator
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Opportunities for exporters
There are opportunities for UK companies across a broad range of industries. Our trade advisers in Romania have identified particular opportunities for UK businesses in the following sectors:
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Romania is executing a major upgrade of its transport infrastructure, with a strong focus on railway modernisation, port expansion and airport development, investing over £10 billion in strategic logistics infrastructure through to 2030. This presents a significant opportunity for UK engineering firms, project managers and transport technology providers.
Rail upgrades
Romania’s rail system is one of the largest in the EU by length and undergoes comprehensive upgrades to improve speed, connectivity and energy efficiency. Over £6 billion is expected to be invested in priority lines along TEN-T corridors. UK companies with expertise in rail design, digital signalling, electrification and project management can tap into these opportunities.
Ports
Romania plans to invest over £1.1 billion in the development of ports by 2030, in new storage spaces and new container handling facilities, multimodal platforms, deepening of berths, construction of new terminals for Constanta, Braila, Galati and Sulina ports. UK companies specialising in port engineering, dredging, terminal design and smart logistics systems will find strong prospects, as Romania seeks to become a regional logistics hub for Ukraine and Moldova.
Airports
Romania invests in the expansion and digitalisation of its regional airport network. Priority projects include New Terminal for Bucharest Airport (£350 million), Iasi Airport Expansion (£120 million), Cluj Napoca Airport upgrade (£150 million). UK firms offering airport planning, air traffic systems, digital passenger experience, platforms and luggage handling technologies are strongly aligned with Romania’s procurement needs.
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The automotive industry is a key sector of the Romanian economy, generating a turnover of 33 billion euros in 2023, equivalent to approximately 13% of GDP and over 27% of total national exports. It hosts 2 original equipment manufacturers, Dacia Renault and Ford, and benefits from foreign investment from companies such as Daimler, Continental and Bosch.
Car production potential
Romania remains in fifth place in Europe in car production. At the end of 2024, we recorded a 9.17% increase in vehicle production, reaching 560,000 units. Further growth in the automotive industry is forecast. This is creating opportunities for British suppliers of industrial automation equipment, electric and electronic systems, car seats, steering wheels, or plastic components.
Clean mobility
Governmental and EU funds will be available to develop electric transport networks and subsidise the purchase of electric cars. There are also plans to buy hundreds of electric buses and developments in the utilisation of renewable energy, ie, hydrogen and CNG/LPG for public transport. Local companies are adapting to new trends and demand for knowledge and innovative technologies is growing. Their expertise in this area could mean opportunities for UK companies.
Smart cities
The Romanian government has allocated €15 billion for smart city projects, a market to grow by 12.56% by 2029 with over 1,300 initiatives. Romania’s commitment to transforming its urban landscapes through smart city initiatives represents significant export opportunities for UK PLC in key areas such as IoT networks in cities and agriculture driven by Romania’s push towards digitalisation, traffic management systems, smart street lighting and connected mobility.
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Romania’s health system is based on a social health insurance model. The country has 368 public and 147 private hospitals. Building new hospitals, offering solutions for upgrading facilities, strengthening primary care, digital health services and medical equipment supply are some of the main opportunities for UK suppliers.
New regional hospitals
Romania undergoes an ambitious public health infrastructure programme in decades by prioritising the construction of three flagship regional emergency hospitals: Cluj, Iasi and Craiova, with a total value of approximately £1.5 billion. This initiative presents major opportunities for UK firms in hospital design, construction, medical technology, digital health systems and clinical consultancy.
Digital health
Romania has eHealth as a priority objective in its policy. Its major interest is in implementing the patient’s electronic networks and files, data protection and patient’s access to telemedicine services. The Romanian Ministry of Health is looking to establish a National Health Digital Agency. The UK’s extensive experience in digital services make it a good match for this new project.
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Romania’s evolving energy sector presents growing opportunities for UK businesses, particularly in renewable energy, energy efficiency and grid modernisation. With EU-backed sustainability targets, generous government incentives, and a strategic location, Romania is an emerging hub for energy investment in Eastern Europe. UK companies with expertise in green energy, smart technologies, renewables and engineering services are well-positioned to contribute to – and benefit from – this transition.
Nuclear and waste repository construction
The government is strongly in favour of nuclear power. Romania is pursuing two parallel nuclear tracks: the expansion of traditional large-scale reactors with Life Extension and New Builds in Cernavoda, valued at £6 billion and targeted for completion by 2031, and pioneering Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor, in partnership with NuScale, to deliver 462 MW by 2030.
Renewables
Romania scales its renewables capacity, aiming to install 10GW of new wind and solar by 2030, with £4.3 billion in investment already flowing into projects. The country is also preparing its first offshore wind auctions for the Black Sea, targeting up to 3GW of capacity by 2026-2027. This represents a major opportunity for UK offshore wind leaders in development, marine services and technology supply. Grid integration, with over £850 million directed to energy storage and digitalisation, complements opportunities for UK firms on battery energy storage systems, hybrid generation projects and smart grid software.
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A strong strategic partnership between Romania and the UK creates the right environment for British security companies to export to Romania and to collaborate with Romanian industry.
Homeland security and cyber security growth
The Romanian government’s security institutions are well funded from the national budget, and EU funds. This means the country regularly creates projects to enhance Romania’s homeland security and cyber security. The UK is well placed to take advantage of these opportunities
Demand for state-of-the-art technology
UK security products are considered to be world-leading quality and Romania is interested in acquiring the best equipment from UK businesses.
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For the last few years, the Romanian retail market has been a very dynamic sector, under continuous development and innovation. Romanian consumers are increasing their awareness of UK products.
Demand for well known brands
With recent growth in household income, high quality, value-added products are gaining ground in consumer preference. As the trend for brands is increasing, consumers’ appetite for brand engagement is also rising. Awareness of UK brands and their quality is high and opportunities here are numerous.
Retail growth
Romanian offline retailers and online marketplaces are continuously developing their networks and platforms. Areas of opportunity for UK exporters are automation and self-service systems, faster innovative payment methods, enlarging product ranges, launching concept stores and innovative loyalty programs to create a tailored, unique shopping experience.
Rise in e-commerce
Romania has one of the fastest-growing e-commerce industries in South-eastern Europe, with an increasing number of chances for UK products to sell on these platforms. The local big players are expanding their business to international level. eMAG, the developer of the biggest online marketplace in the region, is always adding new countries to its network.
Check for trade barriers
Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.
Check duties and customs
Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.
Doing business in Romania
Preparing to export
Romania’s legal system is largely in line with EU requirements. If you are considering a large-scale transaction you should consult one of the international law firms based in Romania.
VAT
The VAT rate is 19%. Lower rates of 9%, 5% and 0% could be applied to different products and services.
There are also taxes on land, means of transport, the use of public places, advertising and promotion, and construction certificates.
Import duties
The internal market of the EU is a single market, which allows the free movement of goods and services.
You are encouraged to use a reputable customs clearance agent familiar with the customs clearance formalities of Romania.
Packaging and labelling
Products and packaging should meet EU standards. The Romanian Accreditation Association (RENAR) is responsible for most standards in Romania.
Labelling for all consumer products must:
- be in Romanian
- clearly show the country of origin
- include the manufacturer’s and the importer’s names
- have an expiry date and a description of the goods
Different industries might have specific requirements regarding packaging.
Excise duties
Excise duties are levied on specific products including:
- alcoholic beverages
- tobacco products
- perfumes
- coffee
Rates vary between 1% and 50% and are applied before levying VAT.
The excise rates for cigarettes and alcohol are applied to maximum retail price.
Corporate tax
Romania applies corporate income tax at 16%.
Income tax
Income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%.
Services regulations
Information on rules for selling services and business travel to Romania is available on gov.uk.
Trade barriers
Check for any reported barriers to trading with Romania.
Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.
Operating in Romania
Romania's increasingly westernised business culture has improved ease of doing business. However, UK companies could encounter difficulties like legal barriers to public procurement.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial and rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.
The Intellectual Property Office provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support for British businesses can be found through a network of IP attachés, based in key UK export markets.
Payment terms
Romanian companies accept the entire range of payments (cash, credit cards, bank transfers etc.) Credit sales are not very popular among the Romania companies, and will only be considered if they trust buyers and have built a long-term business relationship with them.
Legal considerations
The legal framework in Romania is still improving in a number of areas and you may find instances where one piece of legislation contradicts another.
Business culture
Romanians consider themselves as trusting, and trustworthy, business partners and they are very serious when speaking about business. They are professionals and are aware of international best practice. Romanians will study the character and nature of a potential business partner or agreement before the first meeting.
Next steps
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