Non-competitive Evolutions of the Foreign Trade in Romania

An analysis of statistic data and information provides evidence in support of the opinion that, apart from minor exceptions, Romania's foreign trade during the transition period (1991-2012) consisted mainly in the export of raw materials or barely finished products, and the import of manufactured goods. In other words, Romania practised a non-competitive, unproductive export, selling either raw natural produce or products with a rudimentary level of processing, obtained from derelict industrial facilities that were abandoned for lack of competitiveness. One direct effect of such practices was the loss of a huge number of salaried jobs, and the payment of labour at the lowest rates.