In the first half of 2025, construction material prices in Romania continued the upward trend that began in the post-pandemic period. According to data from Eurostat and the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the construction materials price index recorded an average increase of 7.3% compared to the same period in 2024. The most affected categories are reinforcing steel (+11%), construction timber (+9.4%), and thermal insulation materials (+8.2%).

The main factors driving this dynamic are increased demand in Central and Eastern Europe, logistical disruptions caused by the conflict in Ukraine, and the restructuring of international supply chains. In addition, European policies on industrial decarbonization are generating additional costs for producers.

On the Romanian market, construction companies report difficulties in maintaining firm price offers over the long term, while public-sector investors are calling for revisions of cost benchmarks in project estimates. The Ministry of Development is currently analyzing updates to the technical and economic indicators for projects financed under the PNRR and Anghel Saligny programs.

In the short term, the pace of price growth is expected to moderate slightly, but external uncertainties continue to exert strong pressure on the sector. Data from Q2–Q3 will be decisive for the final forecasts for 2025.

(Photo: Freepik)