Romania's Construction Materials Market Faces New Challenges in 2025

The year 2025 brings new challenges to Romania’s construction materials market, driven by inflationary pressures, high energy costs, and imbalances on international markets. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and an analysis by the Federation of Employers of Construction Companies (FPSC), prices for essential materials such as cement, steel, AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete), and polystyrene have increased by 12–18% compared to the same period last year.

A major contributing factor is global logistical instability — including blockages in Middle Eastern ports — which is disrupting supply chains. Additionally, strong demand from public sector projects (funded by PNRR and the Anghel Saligny Program) has led to the overstretching of domestic producers, who are adjusting prices to maintain profitability.

The impact on real estate developers is significant: many are being forced to renegotiate contracts, delay works, or restructure investment plans. Projects already under construction are most affected, while new initiatives are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain financially without adjusting final consumer prices. Experts recommend using index-linked contracts, strategic stock planning, and diversifying suppliers to mitigate risks. Furthermore, a growing interest is emerging in alternative and reusable materials, which tend to offer more stable pricing.

New Seismic Design Code P100-1/2024: What It Means for Future Construction

The new seismic design code P100-1/2024 for civil buildings was published in the Official Gazette in March and is gradually being implemented across all project phases for new buildings. The document marks a major update to Romania’s seismic safety standards, especially in light of increasing seismic risks in the Vrancea region and other seismically active areas.

One of the most important changes is the introduction of stricter requirements for essential-use buildings such as hospitals, schools, and command centers. These structures must now be designed to remain fully functional immediately after a major earthquake. The code also introduces new methods for dynamic structural analysis, including advanced simulations for tall and complex buildings. This approach is intended to improve the modeling of real building behavior during seismic events and allow for material optimization without compromising safety.

For designers and developers, compliance with the new requirements involves additional investments in technical consultancy, specialized software, and staff training. However, end-users of the buildings stand to benefit in the long run from lower risk exposure and improved insurance outcomes. Full implementation of the P100-1/2024 code will be overseen by the State Inspectorate for Construction and represents an important step toward aligning Romania with European best practices for earthquake-resistant construction.

(Photo: Freepik)