RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/TPR/G/155 
24 October 2005  
 
(05-4777) 
Trade Policy Review Body Original:  English 
   
 
  
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
 
Report by 
 
ROMANIA 
 
  
 
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishi ng the Trade Policy Review Mechanism 
(Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade 
Organization), the policy statement by Romania is attached. 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circ ulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on Romania.  
 
 
 Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
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CONTENTS 
Page 
I. OVERVIEW  5 
(1) G ENERAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ROMANIA SINCE THE 
LAST TPR 5 
 (2) H IGHLIGHTS ON MARKET ECONOMY PROGRESS  5 
II. ECONOMIC  TRENDS 6 
 (1) F ACTUAL ISSUES  6 
 (i) Economic growth 6 
 (ii) Domestic policies 7 
 (2) A GRICULTURE  7 
 (3) I NDUSTRY  8 
 (4) IT&C  8 
 (5) F INANCIAL SECTOR  9 
 (6) SME S  10 
 (7) F OREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS  10 
 (8) I NTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  11 
 (9) S TRUCTURAL REFORMS  12 
 (i) Tax reform 12 
 (ii) Deregulating markets 12 
 (10) S TATE OWNERSHIP  14 
 (11) C OMPETITION POLICY  14 
III. ROMANIA’S FORE IGN TRADE PATTERNS 15 
 (1) F OREIGN TRADE , THE MAIN ENGINE FOR DEVELOPMENT  15 
 (2) R OMANIA ’S FOREIGN TRADE  15 
 (3) T HE OPENNESS AND PREDICTABILITY OF THE ROMANIAN TRADE SYSTEM  16 
 (4) E XPORT PROMOTION  16 
IV. ROMANIA AND THE WTO 17 
(1) O BSERVING WTO  RULES  17 
(2) E NFORCEMENT OF ROMANIA ’S COMMITMENTS  17 
(3) C ONVERGENCE BETWEEN REGIONALISM AND  MULTILATERALISM  17 
(4) A CTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN WTO  ACTIVITIES  18 
(5) D OHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA  18 
V. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS  18 
 WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
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ANNEXES 
Page 
Annex 1  Main economic indicators during 2000-2008 21 
Annex 2  Evolution of structure and volume of the export – imports on the main groups   of products 22 
Annex 3a Export structure on the main groups of products 23 
Annex 3b Import structure on the main groups of products 23 Annex 4  Geographical orientation of exports and imports on groups of countries 24 
Annex 5  Top export destinations as for first half of 2005 25 
Annex 6  Top import destinations as for first half of 2005 25 
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
 Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
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 I. OVERVIEW 
(1) GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ROMANIA SINCE THE 
LAST TPR 
1. Since the last TPR (October 1999), Romania’s economy and society have continuously and 
more determinedly advanced toward s a functioning market economy.  
2. The experience of the last few years has shown that globalisation represents not only potential 
benefits, but also challenges for many countries. The increasing international competition, the rise in 
oil prices, the uncertainties regarding exchange ra tes, fast growing economies of emerging Asia are 
some of the elements that characterize the gl obal economic environment. Despite all these 
international developments Romania managed to enforce a liberal trade policy, based on the 
multilateral mechanisms and rul es. The commercial policy decision-making process aims at 
transforming Romanian economy into a market economy while ensuring that producers act in a 
competitive business environment, focused on an ac tive involvement in the globalisation process. 
3. One of the most significant lessons Romania has learned in the period under review is the 
paramount importance of assuming the responsibility of action in implementing the provisions of the 
international multilateral agreements. Steps take n in the capacity building area and ripping the 
advantages of these agreements prove the importance of institutional commitme nt and consistency of 
political decision.  
4. The process of integration in the European Union is the most important policy objective 
which complements and reinforces the participation in the multilateral trading system. On the one 
hand, liberalization of trade relations at a regiona l level prepares the speeding up of multilateral trade 
liberalization; on the other hand, observing the rules established within Romania’s regional integration agreements, as they are fully in c onformity with the multilateral ones, enhances the 
enforcement of WTO rules. The functioning of th e European Association agreement provided the 
basis for an increase of Romanian exports to th e EU, which had a positive effect on the process of 
modernizing technologies in our economy as well as the on the experience of acting in a more 
competitive environment. This equally contributed to expand the overall trade flows of Romania. 
(2) H
IGHLIGHTS ON MARKET ECONOMY PROGRESS  
5. During the last years the Romanian economy ma rked an ascending trend and, accordingly, the 
macroeconomic background became fa vourable. In this respect one can  mention inflation mitigation, 
consolidation of the National Bank of Romania’ s (NBR) foreign exchange reserves, economic 
growth, significantly strengthened banking system, relatively reduced foreign public debt, while the 
short-term one is acceptable. Romania focuses its efforts to complete the necessary reforms for 
complying with the commitments taken in the proc ess of preparing the accession to the European 
Union. The economic recovery, started in 2000,  continued at a sustained pace based on the 
acceleration of exports, domestic demand and investments. During all these years, Romania 
effectively correlated the strong economic growth with disinflation and the maintaining within 
sustainable limits of the current account and budget deficits. 
6. Since 2000, the macroeconomic environment has improved decisively, building upon the 
cumulative impact of successive rounds of st ructural reform steps, increased openness and 
competition in the economy and the adoption of a more  balanced and responsive policy mix. Despite a 
less favourable international environment, since 2 001, economic growth remained robust, inflation WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
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 declined steadily and external vulnerability decreased over the peri od. Since 1999, the unemployment 
rate has been fairly low and stable.  
7. The authorities’ commitment to achieving macr oeconomic stabilisation and bringing forward 
structural reforms has become more enduring and consensus on the objectives of economic policy 
gradually emerged. 
8. The substantial efforts for reform undertaken by  the Romanian authorities over the last years 
were transposed today in a stable macroeconomi c environment, but the reform process is still 
ongoing. Romania is moving towards a sustainable m acroeconomic stability by deepening structural 
reforms. 
9. The macro-economic policy measures applied, mostly the fiscal and monetary ones, induced 
changes in the contribution of demand for consump tion and of the demand for investment to increase 
Gross Domestic Product. Based on the improvement of the business environment investment appetite 
developed, while foreign investment intensified, t hus leading to almost a two-fold increase in the 
contribution of the gross fixed capital formation to  the real increase in Gross Domestic Product. 
10. In 2004, the openness of the economy continued to  increase as the value of exports of goods 
and services rose to 37.7% of GDP from 29.2% in  1997, while imports of goods and services rose to 
about 47.5% of GDP in 2004 as compared to 36.2% of GDP in 1997.  
II. ECONOMIC TRENDS 
(1) FACTUAL ISSUES  
(i) Economic growth 
11. The overall current economic situation of Roma nia and the prospects for the near future 
indicate a vigorous economic growth and macroeconomic stability (Annex I). 
12. After a severe real contraction in the economy, GDP growth resumed in 2000 and the 
economy is going through its fifth consecutive year of economic recovery induced by rising domestic 
and external demand. From 1997 up to 1999, the averag e growth was a mere 0.8% and investment fell 
by nearly 9%. After a modest rebound in 2000, GDP grew by around 5% annually in 2001-2003 on 
account of three main factors: growth of exports, of investment and of household consumption. In 
2004 GDP increased in real terms by 8.3%. 
13. Domestic demand remains the most important growth component also in 2005. While 
consumption will weaken slightly, this will be off set by the further expansion of gross fixed capital 
formation, which will be supported by the greater progress in structural reforms and the FDI boom. 
FDI trends up due to the recently gained investment  grade and also to prospect of EU membership. 
For 2005 it is expected a GDP growth of 6%. 
14. For the last years, the inflation rate has st eadily declined: from 30.3 % in 2001 on a year-to-
year basis, to 17.8% in 2002, 14.1% in 2003 to 9.3% in 2004. The forecast  for 2005 is 7,5 percent. 
15. The current account deficit has fluctuated during 1999 – 2004 from 4% to 7.6% of GDP. 
Financing the current account deficit has gradua lly become easier due to improving borrowing 
conditions and a steady inflow of foreign direct investment, averaging 2.9% of GDP over the period 
2001-2004. Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
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 16. The unemployment rate was almost halved, from 11.8% in 1999 to 6.2% in 2004, on account 
of accelerated structural reforms, which included large lay-offs. 
(ii) Domestic policies 
17. The Romanian Government has continued to implement structural reforms undertaken in 
order to stimulate the economic growth and to re inforce domestic competition.  In the following 
paragraphs can be found some of the key aspects of reforms undertaken or underway that aim to 
strengthen the Romanian economy's competitive capacity , together with other priorities of Romanian 
domestic policy. 
(2) AGRICULTURE  
18. Approximately 62% of Romania’s territory is agricultural area (about 15 million hectares), 
while forests cover an additional 28%. Following the land privatisation, over 90% of all agricultural 
land is in private hands. However, this reform ha s created a large number of small farms, with an 
average surface of 2 hectares, wher e productivity stays at low levels. 
19. The Government of Romania considers the agri culture sector one of the top priorities and 
started the implementation of long-term reforms in this sector. With adequate financing and modern 
techniques, Romania can provide ideal conditions for cereal production, sunflower, viticulture, and 
animal breeding (cattle, pigs, poultry and sheep). 
20. In agriculture, the Romanian Government pursues the achievement of the following 
objectives:  
a. Finalization of land property reform; 
b. Stimulation of the transformation of peasant households into family agricultural 
farms with commercial character, creation of a middle class within the rural space; 
c. Efficient allocation of budgetary resour ces by supporting the agricultural producers; 
d. Supporting the capitalization of the agricultural production by market measures;  e. Support for processing unit network in th e view of better capitalization of the 
production and increasing the value added; 
f. Development and modernization of villages;  
g. Development of fisheries;  h. Durable management of forests;  i. Institutional reform. 
21. A range of actions was undertaken regarding the reform of the financial support policy for the 
markets and of the agricultural producers. In the legislative fi eld, regulations regarding the 
organization of the agri-food markets were adopted. Also, legislative measures of settlement, specific 
to each market (cereal market, vegetable and fruits market, wine and alcoholic products market, dairy 
market, meat market, sugar market, specialized cr ops market) were adopted and from the institution-WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
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 building point of view, the Counsels on products (structures on public – private system) for 
coordination of the organization and settlement of the agricultural markets were set up. 
22. The agricultural and rural development policy of  the Programme of the Government for 2005-
2008 provides for a range of market measures aimed at supporting the production capitalization, the 
normalization of the movement of goods and values a nd a certain level of predictability and stability 
in the market. 
23. The development of the rural area, promotion of some non-agricultural activities, including 
the touristic functions of villages at regional level are pursued together with the local administration 
by expanding the roads infrastructure and water and sewerage networks. These measures are put in 
practice mainly through the absorption and cohere nt use of the funds disbursed through rural 
developing programs. 
(3) INDUSTRY  
24. The privatization process is practically completed in the majority of industrial branches. 
Nevertheless, the structural adjustment actions in the area of mining, power, oil and gas and defence 
sector, put in place several years ago, will continue in the next years in order to increase Romania’s 
economic efficiency. 
25. For the Romanian Government, the strategic objec tive of the industrial policy is the increase 
of competitiveness and of the performances of the Ro manian industry within the European and world 
context. Romania’s industrial policy will be elabor ated taking into account the national interest, in 
compliance with the citizens’ security. 
26. The overall objectives of the industrial policy are:  
a. Increase of competitiveness; b. Increase of the role of research and development; c. Promotion of a durable management of resources and environment protection; d. Improvement of the professional training and labour employment. 
27. The instruments for the implementation of Romania’s new industrial policy are: sector 
assistance, restructuring, assistance for export, su pporting SMEs and regional development, access to 
information and treating the externalities. 
(4) IT&C 
28. Within the process of achieving the Govern ment objectives, the development and the 
extensive use of technologies of informati on and telecommunications plays a key role. 
29. The strategic objective in the field of info rmation and communications technologies (ICT) 
was to create the premises for implementing the information society by launching the privatization 
process, the liberalization of the market and the de velopment of the ICT infrastructure and services. In 
this context, the strategic objectives defined by the eEurope Action Plan (Implementation of the 
Information Society for All) became national priorities. Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
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 30. The Government’s strategic objectives in the field of the technologies of information and 
telecommunications, for the development of the Inform ation Society, and as a basic instrument for the 
Society based on Knowledge, are:  
a. Increase of the competitiveness of the Ro manian economy by stimulating the use of 
the most innovative information technologies ; 
b. Consolidation of this specific industry (ITC); c. Increase of the public administration’s institutional performance by coherent and 
generalized implementation of inte grated informational systems. 
31. The National Electronic System (SEN ) has been established in September 2003. SEN is an e-
Government portal, which offers electronic info rmation and services for the citizens and for the 
business environment. 
32. The e-Government portal provides access for en terprises and citizens to the following 
electronic services: the national electronic system  for public acquisitions (e-procurement); the 
electronic system for granting international freight authorizations; the electronic system for statistic data collection; the electronic systems for payment of local taxes; the electronic system for online 
customs declarations. 
33. By the end of 2005, a new extension of the nati onal electronic system for public procurements 
will be accomplished. 
(5) F
INANCIAL SECTOR  
34. The capital account liberalization, the domestic  currency denomination and NBR’s embracing 
of the direct inflation-targeting regime that took place this year, have various impacts on the financial 
environment. 
35. The denomination of the national currency marked  the end of an inflationist cycle and the 
start of price stability, ensuring the expression of pric es at levels common in Europe; this will ease the 
transition to the Euro, expected to happen around 2012-2014. Through the denomination process 
everything gets simplified. The denomination is a good opportunity to stimulate the use of modern payment instruments. 
36. The capital inflows to Romania will increase, cons idering the interest differential between the 
domestic and international levels , as well as the cheap workforce, the opportunities related to 
Romania’s accession to the European Union, and th e phenomenon of “industrial relocation” from the 
developed countries. 
37. The real appreciation of the domestic currency and the continuance of disinflation may 
generate favourable effects in economy and interest cut respectively, investment environment 
improvement, entailing a sustainable economic gr owth, including by stimulating the economy 
restructuring, thus reducing the quasi-fiscal deficits. 
38. The Romanian banking sector is mostly privat ely owned, as the market share held by the 
private capital banks, including foreign banks’ branches amounted to over 93 percent at the end of December 2004. The foreign capital banks held 62. 1 percent of the total net assets of the banking 
system. Out of the 40 banks, including the foreign ba nks’ branches operating in Romania at the end of WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
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 2004, 30 banks are majority or totally owned foreign capital banks, while 7 banks are domestic 
private capital banks. The privatization process of the largest bank, namely Banca Comercial ă 
Română, continues and the strategy for the privati zation of CEC (Savings Bank) was initiated. 
(6) SME S 
39. The Romanian Government values the importa nce of raising competitiveness for the SMEs, 
as a basis for developing a modern and dynamic economy. 
40. The international experience clearly proves that  the SMEs sector substantially contributes to 
the formation of the GDP, to the creation of new jobs and boosts exports’ growth. SMEs have the 
ability to react in a flexible way on highly competiti ve markets and to adapt quickly to the structural 
and cyclical changes in the global economy. Supporti ng the SMEs sector is thus an important solution 
for counteracting the negative effects of the structural adjustment and of industry restructuring processes, generating economic and social alternativ es and sustaining the cons olidation of the middle 
class.  
41. Consequently, the Government’s specific actions  have as objective to create and improve the 
institutional, legislative and financial framework, fa vourable to the development of small and medium 
sized enterprises and of the private initiative. 
42. The Government’s actions aim at: 
a. Developing the SMEs competitive capacity  and adjusting to the domestic market 
needs,  in order to ease the access of Ro manian companies to the EU market; 
b. Improving the access of SMEs to financing;  lowering  the credit’s cost for SMEs; 
c. Promoting the entrepreneurial culture and strengthen managerial performances; 
d. Allocating an adequate share of the GDP for human resources training programs, 
marketing, and improvement of quality of goods and services; 
e. Developing a favorable business environment - simplification of the administrative 
procedures for the trade companies regist ration or for updating the information 
regarding the company’s “life”; 
f. Rising awareness of SMEs regarding implications of EU accession; 
g. Improving the network of regional consultancy and info rmation centers for SMEs. 
(7) F
OREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS  
43. In the last years, Romania has become a more appealing target for an increasing number of 
foreign investors. After starting the EU accession ne gotiations in 2000, and its accession in NATO in 
2004, Romania positioned itself very firmly within  the Euro-Atlantic zone, with all political, 
economical and military consequences deriving from it.  The EU accession process is expected to end 
in 2007, when Romania is foreseen to obtain its EU membership. 
44. Romania is ready to accommodate a higher inflow  of FDI in industries such as agriculture, 
construction materials, automotive industry, oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, metallurgy, Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
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 telecommunications, transportation, air transport, ra ilways, shipping and shipbuilding, food industry, 
retail, tourism, IT, financial sector, and distri bution. Among these sectors, the most appealing for 
foreign investors are automotive, software, electronics, telecom, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. 
(8) I
NTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
45. In accordance with its commitments under the WTO TRIPS Agreement and also as part of its 
harmonization efforts towards adopting EC's legi slation on intellectual property rights (IPRs), 
Romania has introduced several changes to its IPR regime since its last TPR.  Among these changes we should mention a new Law on Specific Measures for the Enforcement of IPRs in Customs 
Clearance Operations, a new patent Law on inventi ons, amendments to the Patent Law in order to 
transpose an EC Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions. Moreover, in December 2003, a "National Strategy for Intellect ual Property 2003-07" was approved, comprising, 
inter alia , Romania's views on addressing IPRs enforcement problems, particularly with respect to 
piracy and counterfeit.  
46. Among other objectives of the Strategy there are: establishing a proper administrative 
infrastructure within the national institutions invo lved, development of specialized human resources, 
raising awareness and training the public in the in tellectual property field and intellectual property 
rights importance. 
47. Being compatible with TRIPS Agreement, the Trademark Law Treaty and EU Directives, the 
legislation in the trademark field did not undergo any changes.  
48. After Romania’s accession to the Europ ean Patent Convention (March 1
st 2003), the 
cooperation between OSIM and EPO has reached new levels with the signing of a bilateral 
cooperation program providing assistance for the integration in the European Patent system. 
49. Although it does not have any direct attributions in the enforcement, the Romanian State 
Office for Inventions and Trademarks supports the activity of the institutions which have 
responsibilities in the field, providing availabl e documents and information. For this purpose 
protocols of agreement have been signed with  the National Customs Authority and the National 
Authority for Customer’s Protection. 
50. Romanian Copyright Office (ORDA), the only specialized governmental body is provided 
with the authority to keep reco rd, observance and monitoring of the application of copyright and 
neighbouring rights legislation. ORDA implements a complex strategy which permits an efficient 
counteract of piracy and counterfeits. Also, it co -operates with other pub lic institutions: National 
customs Authority, Public Prosecutor’s Office and De partment for Frauds Investigations of Police in 
order to counteract with maximum efficiency the counterfeit and intellectual fakes phenomenon. 
51. Specific objectives and ways of achieving them include: strengthening the administrative and 
institutional capacity, elaboration and implementa tion of capacity building programs, increasing 
efficiency in law application for copyright and related rights, monitoring the activity of common 
administration bodies, developing cooperation with specialized bodies for an effective and efficient application of specific laws. WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
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 (9) STRUCTURAL REFORMS  
(i) Tax reform 
52. The Romanian Government’s vision within the field of fiscal policy assumes a stimulating 
role of taxes and duties in order to foster economic growth and strengthening of the middle class. 
53. The reform of fiscal legislation implies the continual reduction of exemptions and exceptions 
granted for the payment of taxes and duties, in order to increase the transparency of the business 
environment, to improve competition and extend the taxation base. 
54. The main characteristics of the fiscal budgetary policy within the period 2005- 2008 are 
subordinated to the objectives of sustaining the ec onomic growth and of reducing the inflation. 
55. The main element of the Government’s fiscal policy is the fiscal relaxation as means of 
encouraging the business environment, stimulating th e private initiative, and “the coming to light”  of 
informal economy. Moreover, the fiscal relaxation will assure the sustainability of economic growth 
by extending the taxation base. The fiscal relaxa tion will confer flexibility, predictability and 
elasticity to the business environment in Romania. 
56. The Romanian Government applies, beginning Janua ry 1, 2005, a 16 percent flat tax, both for 
income and profit tax. The taxation rate is competitive compared to the states Romania competes with 
in attracting FDIs. 
57. The contributions to social public funds (p ensions, health, unemployment) will gradually 
decrease, as of 2006 so that in 2008, they will r each 39, 5% down from its current level of 49, 5%. 
58. The indirect taxes will be the main income source to state budget.  
(ii) Deregulating markets  
59. The degree of the liberalization of the electric ity and gas markets is in accordance with the 
gradual liberalization scheme; these market s will be fully liberalized in 2007. 
60. The main adjustments in the stru cture of the electricity market over the last three years have 
aimed at improving the market mechanisms and at developing competitiveness. As of November 
2004, the degree of market opening has increased from 40% to 55% and to 83% in July 2005.   
61. The regulations issued by the Romanian Electric ity and Heat Regulatory Authority  focus on 
improving the mechanisms of the electricity market as: 
a. To ensure a non-discriminatory treatment fo r all those who participate in the energy 
wholesale market; 
b. To guarantee the revenues of producers, transporters, distributors and suppliers 
during the transition period, with a uniform tariff system at national level for all 
captive consumers; 
c. To promote renewable sources of energy and high-efficiency co-generation through 
the Rules to Certify the Electric Energy Produced from Renewable Sources and high-efficiency co-generation; Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
 Page 13 
 
 
 d. To harmonize the regulation and adapt th e concepts related to the functioning and 
operation of the interconnected electric systems; 
e. To implement the new Commercial Code of the wholesale electricity market. The 
Code establishes inter-alia  improved and new mechanism for trading electricity (day-
ahead market, balancing market,  acquis ition of ‘‘green energy” from renewable 
sources and of the electricity produced by cogeneration as priority production); 
f. To implement new distribution and tr ansmission tariff enforcement guidelines  
incentive based regulation: ‘price cap’ for distribution and ‘revenue cap’ for 
transmission; 
g. To enforce new framework contracts for distribution and transmission services in 
order to ensure the principle ‘point of connection- not transaction based’. 
62. In 2005, the Romanian Electricity and Heat Regul atory Authority  (ANRE) has to review the  
procedures regarding the annual reporting of the re gulated electricity comp anies and the performance 
standards for distribution, transmission and su pply activities in line with the EU practices and 
requirements. ANRE will also enforce the CBT- ET SO mechanism for the cr oss-border electricity 
transactions applied by CN Transelectrica as the Romanian transmission system operator (TSO). 
63. The Regulation Authority has competencies in granting, modifying, suspending or 
withdrawing licenses and authorizations in the el ectricity sector and thermal energy co-generation 
sector. 
64. According to the “Action plan for 2005-2008” ANRE has established the timetable for further 
amendments to the regulatory framework. Among th e key actions listed in the Action plan we 
mention the issuance of regulation regarding the supplier of last resort (regulatory framework to be 
passed by December 2005 and last resort suppliers to  be selected by August 2006) and creation of a 
workgroup to evaluate the budget required for phasing out the social tariff and replacing it with direct 
subsidies. 
65. For the gas sector, the process of liberalization continued  by increasing the opening degree of 
the natural gas market to 40% in 2004, and to 50% as of 1 January 2005. 
66. During the last years, the National Regulat ory Authority for the Natural Gas Sectors 
continued the process of harmonizing the secondary le gislation regarding the sector with the European 
legislation within the program for Romania’s ac cession to European Union. The activity of the 
Regulatory Authority focuses on the following: 
a. Ensuring a transparent functioning of the natural gas market with a non-
discriminatory treatment of all players and customers connected to the National Transmission System by issuing the Regulation for programming, functioning and dispatching the national transport grid  for natural gas; 
b. Implementing the Regulation concerni ng the natural gas supply for eligible 
consumers and captive consumers connected to the national natural gas transmission 
grid and to the distribution systems, and the Regulation on access to the underground storage facilities, according to the Europ ean regulations concerning the national gas 
sector. A new set of enforcement guidelines concerning the tariffs of connection to the network and allowing regulated access has been recently implemented; WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
Page 14 
 
 
 c. Reviewing the rules for granting licenses a nd authorizations within the natural gas 
sector due to the recent implementation of the Law for Natural Gas; 
d. Adopting the Technical Code for the lique fied natural gas; implementing measures 
for voluntary standardization and for annul ment of conflicting technical regulations; 
e. Guaranteeing the producers’ revenues and the distributors’ costs during the transition 
period to a fully liberalized natural gas mark et by issuing the Enforcement Guidelines 
concerning the prevention of the dominant position and the methods to approve regulated tariffs and prices in the natural gas sector for transport and storage based on 
the “revenue-cap” system, and for the di stribution and dispatching based on the 
“price-cap” system. 
(10) S
TATE OWNERSHIP  
67. The privatization of the large companies from AVAS portfolio, with bad influence on the 
national economy due to their huge volume of losses and historical debts, has continued to be a 
priority over the last years, ma inly because within the previous ag reement with the IMF there were 
specific conditions concerning this type of companies.   
68. During 2003-2004, 279 companies were privatized, out of which 79 were large and very large 
companies. This represents more than 4/5 of the share capital sold during that time. Such a result was 
possible due to, among others, the implementation of  some restructuring and reorganization programs 
of large and very large companies, in order to increase their attractiveness for privatization. 
(11) COMPETITION POLICY  
69. Ensuring a normal competitive environment leads to the satisfaction of consumers’ 
requirements and to an efficient allocation of r esources in the economy, as the economic growth and 
the employment rate are stimulated.  
70. In 2003, the Competition Law no. 21/1996 was m odified and completed, and the overlapping 
responsibilities caused by the existence of two institu tions in the field of competition (the Competition 
Council, as an autonomous authority and the Comp etition Office, as a special body subordinated to 
the Government) ended by their unification. 
71. The role of the Competition Council as an au tonomous administrative authority has two 
aspects: one aspect is corrective, relating to its interventions to restore and maintain normal, 
competitive environment, and the second is preventive, relating to its interventions that significantly 
prevent unfair competition in the market.  
72. According to the Competition Law, the Comp etition Council is supposed to protect and 
stimulate competition, in order to ensure a normal competitive environment and the promotion of customers' interests. 
73. Securing the legislative framework for the functioning of the free competition constitutes a 
major objective for the Government of Romania.  For this purpose, the following objectives are 
primarily pursued: 
a. The independence of the Council of Competition, including in appointing its 
members at the recommendation of the specialized Parliamentary commissions; Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
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 b. An efficient antitrust legislation ; 
c. Limitation of the state intervention in the production and distribution of goods and 
services; 
d. Regulation of state support and of othe r public interventions that damage the 
competitiveness of economic agents and di stort the free competition in accordance 
with the provisions of the Acquis Communautaire in this field. 
III. ROMANIA’S FOREIGN TRADE PATTERNS 
(1) FOREIGN TRADE , THE MAIN ENGINE FOR DEVELOPMENT  
74. Romania will continue its efforts for st rengthening democracy, political and economic 
stability. It is the only way to become an activ e and successful competitor in the global economy, 
where competitive strengths are based on high valu e-added products and serv ices, quality, innovation 
and entrepreneurship.  Greater international comp etitiveness is not a goal in itself. It ensures high 
economic growth, which in return ensures a strong a nd prosperous country with high quality of life 
and social welfare. 
75. Romania’s external trade flows continue to be the most dynamic sector of the economy, their 
growth rates being higher than those of other macroeconomic indicators.  
76. Exports have been one of the main driv ers of economic growth. However since 2003, 
domestic demand, boosted  inter alia  by growing investments, disinflation, rapid credit expansion and 
high real wages, gained momentum (Annex 1).  
(2) ROMANIA ’S FOREIGN TRADE  
77. During the first seven months of the year 2005, exports grew by 16.6% reaching a value of 
12.5 billion Euros, which almost equal the exports value (12,7 billion Euros) registered during the 
whole year 2002. Growth rates above the average we re recorded by machiner y, electric equipments 
and transport means, especially cars, and chemicals and plastics mainly due to up-grading in investments, and by steel products and mineral pr oducts, mainly due to higher prices on international 
markets. Accordingly, the share of these groups in  total exports has been on an upward trend, while 
that of textiles and leather pr oducts is declining (Annex 2).  
78. The growth rate of imports outran that of expor ts. Imports grew by 21.8% in the first seven 
months of the year 2005, amounti ng to 17.5 billions Euro (the valu e of total imports during the full 
year 2001, i.e. 17.4 billion Euro), after registering growth rates of up to 24% in the previous four 
years. Several factors contribute to this trend: further upgrading and retooling of the economy boosted 
import demand for capital goods; increase of indus try output requiring higher imports of raw 
materials and intermediate goods and sharper hous ehold demand for durables, which led to higher 
imports of consumer goods. Not neglig ible is also the impact of the rise in prices of crude petroleum 
and gas (Annex 3).  
79. The main trading partner of Romania remain s the EU (25) which is the major export 
destination (72.9% in 2004 and 69.0% in the first half of 2005) and import origin (64.9 in 2004 and 
63.0% in the first half of 2005). The trade w ith all preferential partners under the Free Trade 
Agreements represents 85% of Romania’s exports , and 71% of imports. No major changes have 
occurred in trade flows with other regions of the world since the last TPR of Romania. (Annex 4). WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
Page 16 
 
 
 80. By country, according to the ranki ng in 2005 (January –July) the top 12 destinations of 
Romania’s exports were: Italy (20.6%), Germany (14.0%), Turkey (7.9%), France (7.4%), Great Britain (5.5%), Hungary (4.0%), USA (3.8%), Austria (3.0%), Holland (2.7%), Spain (2.6%), 
Bulgaria (2.3%) and Greece (2.0%). The main or igins of imports were: Italy (16.5%), Germany 
(13.9%), Russian Federation (8.0%), France (6.9 %), Austria (3.7%), P.R. of China (3.6%), 
Kazakhstan (3.3%), Hungary (3.2%), Poland (3.1 %), Great Britain (2.9%) and USA (2.8%) 
(Annexes 5 and 6). 
(3) T
HE OPENNESS AND PREDICTABILITY OF THE ROMANIAN TRADE SYSTEM  
81. Romania enforced a customs tariff based on th e HS 2002, approximated at the eight-digit 
level with the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union. All tariff lines are bound under the 
WTO Agreement.  
82. Since 1995 the Import Custom Tariff has mainta ined its role and importance as the main 
instrument of trade policy and of protection at the border. With a view to ensuring more transparency, 
the Ministry of Economy and Commerce publishes, on a yearly basis, a Guide to the Import Customs 
Tariff. This Guide includes all important internationa l agreements and national legislation that are the 
basis for the level of applied customs duties.  
83. The Romanian foreign trade is free of prohibiti on or quantitative restriction.  For prudential 
reasons, some products continue to be monitore d through an automatic export licensing system 
(natural resources or those affecting the environment, human and plant health). 
(4) EXPORT PROMOTION  
84. The Export Council is a consultative public–privat e structure at national level set up in April 
2004 with the following competences: 
a. harmonize the sectorial, intersectorial and regional strategies within the framework of 
the National Export Strategy, with a view to determining priorities for export growth;  
b. identify resources of public and private financing to fulfill programs and actions 
mentioned in the National Export Strategy ;  
c. propose programs to assure the increase of the competitiveness  of the export sector; 
d. initiate actions to increase and diversif y the export of goods and services with high 
value added; 
e. analyze the current problems of the fore ign trade activity and formulate proposals to 
improve it;  
f. suggest modifications of the legislativ e framework to eliminate the export barriers 
and generate an increase of the export volume; 
g. support the services of promotion and specialized assistance to exporters;  h. monitor progress, results and impact of implementation of the measures, instruments 
and mechanisms of support and promotion of exports  with state financing, as 
indicated in the National Export Strategy;  Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
 Page 17 
 
 
 i. publicize actions, programs and measures for export growth. 
85. The Export Council is currently finalizing the National Strategy for Export, based on the 
world’s best working methodology. 
IV. ROMANIA AND THE WTO 
(1) OBSERVING WTO  RULES  
86. At the conclusion of the Uruguay Round, Romania bound all tariff lines, accepted the 
multilateral agreements and three of the four pl urilateral (except for the Agreement on Public 
Procurement). 
87. The rules and mechanisms of the multilateral trad ing system were and still are very important 
tools for drafting our trade policy. During the last ten years the process of examination of our 
notifications proved that Romania did fully observe its commitments under WTO. 
(2) ENFORCEMENT OF ROMANIA ’S COMMITMENTS  
88. The bound levels of customs duties were reduc ed every year according to Romania’s 
Schedule of commitments. Furthermore, in many cases, especially due to participation to regional agreements, the applied levels were below the bound levels.  
89. Pursuing the principle of an open economy, Ro mania has always been a supporter of the 
liberalization process within the WTO. Thus, Roma nia accepted to eliminate the customs duties on 
ITA products, being party to the Information Technology Agreement.  
90. Also, being aware of the potential development of the services sector, Romania took part in 
the process leading to the conclusion of Protocol  IV and V of GATS (basic telecom and financial 
services) and submitted lists of specific commitments. 
91. As regards trade defence measures, during the period under review, Romania notified that no 
safeguard, anti-dumping or count ervailing measure was taken. 
92. Romania fully observed its commitments in subsidizing the agricultural sector, the domestic 
support granted to farmers being within de minimis  level. Export subsidies were granted only to a 
small part of cereals exports. 
(3) C
ONVERGENCE BETWEEN REGIONALISM AND  MULTILATERALISM  
93. Since its last trade policy review, Romania h as been involved in trade cooperation through 
WTO and regional agreements. The process of regiona l integration was closel y linked with the EU 
accession process. 
94. Romania’s European economic integration po licy is complementing and reinforcing its 
participation in the multilateral trading system. The provisions of the European Agreement and of the 
bilateral and other regional ag reements concluded by Romania are governed by the multilateral 
principles and rules. 
95. Since May 1st 2004, CEFTA has only 3 members, respectively Romania, Bulgaria and 
Croatia. The Joint Committee held in Sofia in June 2004 accepted the Former Yugoslav Republic of WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
Page 18 
 
 
 Macedonia request for CEFTA membership, and propo sed to start and finalize negotiations as early as 
possible in 2005.   
96. Since 1993 Romania has a free trade agreement with the EFTA Member States.  
97. As a signatory of the Stability Pact for South East Europe, in 2004 Romania finalized the 
negotiations for concluding free trade agreements with  all the countries in the region (Albania, Former 
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro). 
98. As for the bilateral cooperation, free trade agreem ents with Moldova, Turkey and Israel have 
entered into force. 
(4) ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN WTO  ACTIVITIES  
99. A contracting party to the GATT since 1971, Ro mania became an original Member of the 
WTO on 1 January 1995. All legislation relating to WTO agreements became applicable to Romania 
since that date. Romania has been keen in ensuring that the multilateral trading system is utilized to 
achieve its economic objectives.  
100. Romania remains an active member of the WTO. Since the last trade policy review, 
Romania’s delegation participated actively in Minist erial Conferences in Doha, 2001, as a coordinator 
of CEFTA countries, in Cancun in 2003 and will pay special attention to the preparations for the 2005 
Ministerial in Hong Kong.  
101. Our firm commitment to the multilateral tradi ng system was underlined by the active role 
played as chair in different Committees (BOP, Import Licensing, Subsidies and Countervailing 
Duties). 
(5) DOHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA  
102. Romania attaches great importance to D oha Development Agenda. The multilateral 
negotiations should be based on mutually agreed prin ciples and have to take into consideration the 
needs resulting from current economic developments.  
103. Romania’s main interests in DDA are: impr oved market access for its agricultural and non-
agricultural exports, and more detailed rules that will enable it to improve its competitiveness and to 
fiably exploit its comparative advantages. To ach ieve these goals, Romania will continue to support 
the principle of transparency as a key element in decision-making in all areas within the WTO. 
104. As an acceding country to the EU, Romania is following closely the position of the EC in the 
WTO negotiations.  
V. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 
105. Romania will continue its efforts on its way of strengthening democracy and political and 
economic stability. It is the only way to become  an active and successful competitor in the global 
economy, with competitive strengths based on high value-added manufacturing and services, quality, 
innovation and entrepreneurship.  Greater international competitiveness is not a goal per se . It ensures 
high economic growth, which in return ensures a st rong and prosperous country  with high quality of 
life and social welfare. Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
 Page 19 
 
 
 106. On April 25, 2005, Romania signed the Acc ession Treaty, which was ratified through Law 
no.157/24.05.2005. Accession to the EU is perceive d not only as a process of regional integration but 
also as an important step towards the integrati on of the Romanian economy in the global economic 
system.  
107. Romania supports the finalization of the Doha Round by the end of 2006; this should secure 
equal advantages for all WTO members, with the emphasis on developing countries. Romania is also 
ready to support the WTO in further developing its contribution to assisting Member States, and 
particularly LDCs; to sharing the responsibility of  implementing the provisions of the final document 
of the DDA; and to enhancing their capability of  assuming responsible and effective duties in this 
respect. Our participation in the multilateral ne gotiation process seeks to further liberalize trade 
through a set of measures that would ensure a ba lance between the rights and obligations of all 
participating countries and would allow or enhance the reform pr ocess underway, especially in the 
agriculture sector. Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
 Page 21 
 
 
 Annex 1 
Main economic indicators during 2000-2008 
(Percentage change from last year)  
  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008
1. GDP          
  - mld. lei ROL 803773,1 1167687 1514750,9 1903353,9 2387914,3 2797000 3205000 3618500 4034500
  - % +2,1 +5,7 +5,1 +5,2 +8,3 +6,0 +6,1 +6,3 +6,5
From which:                  
- Industrya +5,9 +4,4 +5,1 +4,4 +6,2 +5,7 +5,6 +5,5 +5,5
- Agriculture, forestry, 
pisciculture, forest exploitationa   -18,1 +28,0 -6,7  +5,0 +22,2 +2,8 +2,8 +2,9 +3,1
- Constructionsa +6,3 +11,1 +7,6 +7,0 +9,0 +10,2 +11,2 +11,6 +12,2
- Servicesa +5,5 +3,6 +7,1 +5,3 +6,1 +6,2 +6,5 +6,8 +6,9
2. Final consumption +1,5 +6,3 +4,9 +6,9 +10,3 +7,0 +5,6 +5,1 +5,7
- Individual effective 
consumption +0,2 +6,8 +4,8 +7,2 +10,8 +7,4 +5,8 +5,3 +5,8
- Collective effective 
consumption +20,5 -0,2 6,0 +4,6 +4,6 +1,5 +2,5 +3,0 +4,0
3. Gross fixed capital formation +5,5 +10,1 +8,2 +9,1 +10,1 +11,4 +11,6 +12,5 +12,3
  Investment rate  (% of GDP) 18,9 20,7 21,3 22,2 22,3 22,9 24,0 25,3 26,4
4. Change in stocks b 2,2 1,6 -1,6 0,1 0,1 -0,1 0,0 0,0 0,0
5. Domestic demand  +4,3 +8,4 +3,9 +7,4 +10,2 +7,7 +6,8 +6,7 +7,2
6. Export netb -2,3 -3,1 0,9 -2,7 -2 ,8 -2,5 -1,3 -1,0 -1,3
7. Export of goods         
  - mil. euro 11273 12722 14675 15614 18935 21900 25150 28750 32200
  - % +41,3 +12,9 +15,4 +6,4 +21,3 +15,7 +14,8 +14,3 +12,0
8. Import of goods  (CIF)         
  - mil. euro 14235 17383 18881 21201 26281 30980 35150 39490 43990
  - % +43,4 +22,1 +8,6 +12,3 +24,0 +17,9 +13,5 +12,3 +11,4
9. Import de goods (FOB)         
  - mil.  euro 13140 16045 17427 19569 24258 28600 32450 36450 40600
  - % +43,4 +22,1 +8,6 +12,3 +24,0 +17,9 +13,5 +12,3 +11,4
10. Trade balance - mil. euro                  
  - (FOB-FOB) -1867 -3323 -2752 -3955 -5323 -6700 -7300 -7700 -8400
  - (FOB-CIF) -2962 -4661 -4206 -5587 -7346 -9080 -10000 -10740 -11790
11. Current accountc- mil. euro -1494 -2488 -1623 -3060 -4402 -4930 -5310 -5670 -5550
  Current account in GDP (%) -3,7 -5,5 -3,4 -6,0 -7,5 -6,6 -6,2 -5,8 -5,0
12. Consumer price index          
  December as compared to Dec. 
previous year (%)  140,7  130,3  117,8 114,1 109,3 107,0 105,0 104,0 103,0
  Annual average/ annual average 
previous year (%) 145,7 134,5 122,5 115,3 111,9 108,1 106,0 104,4 103,5
13. GDP deflator (%) 144,2 137,4 123,4 119,5 115,9 110,5 108,0 106,2 104,7
14. Average number of 
employees (thousand pers.) 4623,0 4619,0 4567,8 4590,9 4645 4704 4755 4800 4832
  - % -2,9 -0,1 -1,1 +0,5 +1,2 +1,3 +1,1 +0,9 +0,7
15. Gross average salary 
(thousand lei ROL) 2840,4 4220,4 5320,6 6637,9 8180 9473 10654 11823 13032
  - % +47,8 +48,6 +26,1 +24,8 +23,2 +15,8 +12,5 +11,0 +10,2
16. Index of real salary 
earnings (%) 104,6 104,9 102,1 110,8 110,0 112,4 105,2 105,6 108,3
17. No. of unemployed (at the 
end of the year) (thousand pers.) 1007 827 761 659 558 535 525 515 505
  - Unemployment rate - % 10,5 8,8 8,4 7,4 6,2 6,1 6,0 5,8 5,7
a Gross value added. 
b Contribution to the real GDP growth (%). 
c Beginning with 2003 calculated according the new methodology , taking into considerati on the reinvested profit. WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
Page 22 
 
 
 Annex 2 
Evolution of structure and volume of the export – imports on the main groups of products  
(Million EURO) 
 Exports (FOB)  
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005/1st 
Half 
Total. out of which: 11,273.3 12,722.0 14,674.9 15,613.7 18,934.7 10,530.49 
Agri food 368 484 460.6 497.6 587.4 245.67 
Mineral products 895 881 1,244.8 1,098.0 1,361.5 1,043.11 
Chemical products and plastic s 812 819 890.0 1,089.0 1,481.0 861.91 
Textile and leather products  3, 684 4,588 5,140.6 5,423. 4 5,659.7 2,790.12 
Wood and paper products (including furnitu re) 1,279 1.393 1,584.1 1,718.9 2,010.0 1,038.23 
Plaster. stone. cements. glass. ce ramics products 175 193 212.5 213.0 212.3 105.69 
Metals and articles of metal 1,799 1.693 1,884.3 2,016.9 2,922.6 1,744.13 
Products of machinery industry (including 
electrotechnique)  2,189 2,610 3,192.7 3,471.1 4,623.0 2,646.12 
 
 
 Imports (CIF)  
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005/1st 
Half 
Total. out of which: 14,235.4 17,383.3 18,880.8 21,201.3 26,281.0 14,739.43 
Agri food 1.015 1,351 1,245.7 1,535.3 1,714.1 9,06.7 
Mineral products 2,058 2,493 2,401.0 2,621.2 3,526.8 2,254.18 
Chemical products and plastics 1, 806 2,209 2,627.3 2,942.1 3,619.1 2,028.46 
Textile and leather products  2, 951 3,655 4,071.0 4,136. 5 4,399.5 2,220.96 
Wood and paper products (including furniture) 672 817 956.8 1,083.6 1,263.6 693.83 
Plaster. stone. cements. glass. ce ramics products 196 258 306.8 357.4 456.1 264.88 
Metals and articles of metal 973 1,274 1,393.7 1,629.4 2,199.0 1,307.47 
Products of machinery industry (including 
electrotechnique)  4,505 5,283 5,852.8 6,862.2 9,156.8 5,026.61 
 Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
 Page 23 
 
 
 Annex 3 
a)  Export structure on the main groups of products  
 Exports (in %) 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005/1st half 
Total out of which: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
  Textile and leather produc ts 32.7 36.0 35. 1 34.8 29.9 26.5 
  Products of machinery industry 
(including electrotechnique) 19.5 21.0 21.8 22.4 24.4 25.2 
  Metals and articles of metal 16.2 13.3 12.9 13.0 15.4 16.6 
  Wood and paper products (including 
furniture) 11.5 11.0 10.9 11.1 10.6 9.8 
  Chemical products and plastics 7.3 6.5 6.1 7.0 7.8 8.2 
  Mineral products 7.9 6.9 8.5 7.0 7.2 9.9 
  Agri food 3.3 3.8 3.2 3.3 3.1 2.5 
  Plaster. stone. cements. glass. ceramics 
products 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.1 1 
 
b)  Import structure on the main groups of products 
 Imports (in %) 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005/1st half 
Total out of which: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
  Products of machinery industry 
(including electrotechnique) 31.5 30.4 31.1 32.4 34.9 34.2 
  Textile and leather produc ts 22.8 21.1 21. 5 19.5 16.3 15.1 
  Chemical products and plastics 10.4 12.8 13.9 13.9 13.8 13.7 
  Mineral products 14.5 14.4 12.8 12.4 13.5 15.2 
  Metals and articles of metal 6.8 7.3 7.4 7.4 8.4 8.8 
  Agri food 7.5 7.8 6.6 7.3 6.5 6.1 
  Wood and paper products (including 
furniture) 4.9 4.7 5.1 5.1 4.8 4.7 
  Plaster. stone. cements. glass. ceramics 
products 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 
 
 WT/TPR/G/155 Trade Policy Review 
Page 24 
 
 
 Annex 4 
Geographical orientation of exports a nd imports on groups of countries 
(Million Euro) 
 Exports 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 20004 2005/1st half 
 Volume % Volume % Volume % Volume % Volume % Volume % 
Total out of 
which: 11,273 100 12,722 100 14,675 100 15,614 100 18,935 100 10,530 100 
Europe out of 
which: 9,566 85.5 10,825 85.1 12,098 82.3 13,458 85.5 16,704 88.2 9,061 86.04 
EU 7,195 63.8 8,623 67.8 9,864 67.1 11,498 67.7 13,806.8a 72.9a 7,274.53a 69.08a 
CEFTA 920 8.2 901 7.1 931.8 6.4 362.9 7.3 515.4b 2.7b 324.67b 3.08b 
EFTA 111 0.9 143 1.1 195 1.4 195 1.3 201.1 1.1 114.94 1.09 
African and Middle East 411 6.8 335 2.6 526.4 3.6 830.5 2.9 994.2 5.3 579.17 5..5 
Asia-Oceania 744 2.8 947 7.5 1221.7 8.4 632.1 7.1 545.2 2.9 422.58 4.01 
America 545 4.8 586 4.6 803.6 5.5 670.7 4.3 671.4 3.5 460.1 4.37 
 
 
 Imports 
 2000 2001 2002 2003 20004 2005/1st half 
 Volume % Volume % Volume % Volume % Volume % Volume % 
Total out of 
which: 14,235 100 17,383 100 18,881 100 21,201 100 26,281 100 14,739 100 
Europe out of 
which: 11,481 85.8 14,196 81.6 15,576 82.5 18,239 84.7 2,221 84.9 12,498 84.79 
EU 8,046 56.6 9,975 57.3 11,033 58.4 14,250 57.7 17,064.8a 64.9a 9,287.46a 63.01a 
CEFTA 1,311 8.9 1,718 9.9 1,870.10 9.9 220.6 10.7 317.9b 1.2b 188.83b 1.28b 
EFTA 198 1.4 225 1.3 216 1.1 239 1.1 241 1.2 200.01 1.36 
African and 
Middle East 84 1.5 136 0.8 269 1.4 243.2 1.1 315.8 1.2 179.39 1.22 
Asia-Oceania 1,467 7 1,549 9.5 2,007.50 10.7 1,667.90 9.2 2,208.00 8.4 1,294.43 8.78 
America 811 5.7 1,019 5.9 946.2 5 963.1 4.5 1,358.30 5.2 733.53 4.98 
a Statistical data are for EU 25. 
b Statistical data are for CEFTA 3. Romania WT/TPR/G/155 
 Page 25 
 
 
 Annex 5 
Top export destinations as for first half of 2005 
(Million Euro) 
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005/1st half   
Value % Value % Value % Value % Value % Value % 
Total 11,273 100 12,722 100 14,675 100 15,614.00 100 18,934.70 100 10,530.49 100 
Italy  2,518 22.4 3,172 24.9 3,670 25 3,773.70 24.1 4,014.00 21.2 2,172.62 20.7 
Germany  1,765 15.7 1,988 15.6 2,293 15.6 2,457.80 15.7 2,832.20 15 1,486.05 14.1 
Turkey  682 6.1 503 4 611 4.2 798.2 5.1 1,323.60 7 857.55 8.2 
France  790 7 1,025 8.1 1,121 7.6 1,145.10 7.4 1,608.40 8.5 791.35 7.5 
United Kingdom 592 5.3 654 5.2 849 5.8 1,045.70 6.7 1,259.00 6.7 595.46 5.7 
Hungary  387 3.4 414 3.3 456 3.1 545.4 3.5 724.2 3.8 425.45 4.0 
United States 413 3.7 404 3.1 627 4.3 551.5 3.5 539.1 2.9 380.26 3.6 
Austria  273 2.4 382 3 446 3 502.3 3.2 589.9 3.1 323.19 3.1 
Holland  357 3.2 432 3.4 461 3.1 555.2 3.6 603.4 3.2 295.64 2.8 
Spain 124 1.1 200 1.6 216 1.5 278.9 1.8 374.86 2 246.52 2.3 
Bulgaria 315 2.8 226 1.8 186 1.3 245.34 1.6 363.11 1.9 232.64 2.2 
Greece  352 3.1 353 2.8 413 2.8 379.5 2.4 507.4 2.7 209.85 2.0 
Weight in total 
(%): 76.20 76.80 77.31 78.60 78.00 76.10 
 
 
Annex 6 
Top import destinations as for first half of 2005 
(Million Euro) 
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005/1st half   
Value % Value % Value % Value % Value % Value % 
Total 14,235 100 17,383 100 18,881 100 21,201.00 100 26,281.00 100 14,739.43 100 
Italy  2,656 18.7 3,470 19.9 3,911 20.7 4,140.10 19.5 4,514.70 17.2 2,424.47 16.46 
Germany  2,093 14.7 2,644 15.2 2,805 14.9 3,144.70 14.8 3,918.20 14.9 2,037.51 13.83 
Russian 
Federation  1,218 8.6 1,320 7.6 1,349 7.2 1,751.00 8.3 1,791.70 6.8 1,157.86 7.86 
France  790 6.1 125 6.3 1,121 6.4 1,541.80 7.3 1,866.20 7.9 1,030.28 6.99 
Turkey  296 2.1 421 2.4 592 3.1 814.5 3.8 1,097.70 4.2 711.62 4.83 
Austria  362 2.5 493 2.8 628 3.3 748.7 3.5 918.7 3.5 549.08 3.73 
China  189 1.3 283 1.6 392 2.1 582.9 2.8 853.7 3.3 526.34 3.57 
Hungary  560 3.9 671 3.9 675 3.6 766.1 3.6 832.1 3.2 469.82 3.19 
Kazahstan 323 2.3 168 1 358 1. 9 211 1 470.64 1.8 462.84 3.1 
Poland 210 1.5 308 1.8 368 2 491 2.3 658.47 2.5 459.24 3.1 
United Kingdom  581 4.1 603 3.5 722 3.8 702.3 3.3 859.6 3.3 416.26 2.83 
United States 430 3 552 3.2 571 3 493 2.3 752.4 2.9 412.83 2.8 
Weight in total 
(%): 68.80 69.20 72.00 72.50 71.50 72.29 
 
 
 
__________