Romania holds a paradoxical position in the European agri-food industry: it is one of the largest producers of agricultural raw materials, yet a consistent importer of processed food products. This imbalance is not circumstantial, but structural, reflecting the country’s position within the food value chain.

Data from Eurostat and INS show that agri-food exports exceed 13 billion euros annually, but are dominated by cereals and oilseeds — products with low added value. At the same time, imports of processed goods — dairy, processed meat, finished products — exceed 15 billion euros, generating a persistent trade deficit.

The issue is not agricultural production capacity, but the lack of vertical integration. Most farms sell raw materials without participating in the processing stage, where the majority of economic value is created. According to a Deloitte study (2025), productivity in Romania’s food industry is three times lower than the EU average, while the structure of farms — dominated by small holdings — limits investment in processing.

Another factor is fragmentation. The lack of strong cooperatives reduces bargaining power and direct access to retail. Without consolidated volumes and strong brands, Romanian products remain confined to the commodity segment.

Poland provides a relevant example. Starting from a similar agricultural structure, Poland invested heavily in processing and national brands, becoming one of the EU’s leading exporters of food products, not just raw materials.

In Romania, the gap is clear: cheap cereals are exported, while high value-added products are imported. In practical terms, Romania exports volume and imports margin.

Changing this model requires investment in processing, consolidation of supply chains, and the development of competitive brands. Without these transformations, Romania will continue to play the role of a raw material supplier in a food economy where real value is created elsewhere.

(Photo: Magnific)