Romania Loses Billions Annually Through Agri-Food Imports That Could Be Replaced by Local Products

Romania loses billions of euros each year through agri-food imports that could largely be replaced with domestic products. In 2024, the value of food imports exceeded €12 billion, while Romanian exports in the same sector remain significantly lower. This imbalance has a deep impact on the national economy—from the state budget to small farms and rural communities.

Massive imports mean:

• Taxes, VAT, and profits leave the country
• Job losses in agriculture, processing, and distribution
• Lower tax collection and increased pressure on the public budget
• Loss of food sovereignty in the face of international supply chains

A realistic estimate shows that if just 20% of these imports were replaced with Romanian products, the national GDP could increase by over €1 billion per year, while thousands of jobs would be supported in farms, factories, and local supply chains.

But there are solutions—and they work.

A concrete example comes from Alba County, where a local dairy plant was on the verge of shutting down. Through a community-wide mobilization—involving the town hall, school, social canteen, and local restaurants—a local sourcing system was established.

In less than six months:

• The dairy plant returned to profitability
• 42 jobs were saved
• New staff were hired
• A retail shop offering discounted prices for locals was launched

The initiative was supported by modern branding, logistical assistance from the agricultural cooperative, and promotion in local media. Similar examples exist in Cluj, Neamț, Covasna, and Hunedoara—all based on one key principle: money stays in the community, generates value, and supports the public budget.

Conclusion: Every euro spent on imported goods is a lost opportunity for the national economy. Every local purchase—public or private—is an investment in Romania. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about choices. And when communities choose local, the results are immediate: jobs, local taxes, development, and food security.

(Photo: Freepik)