China-Romania economic partnership continues to evolve, driven by mutual respect and cooperation. Trade and investment ties are expanding, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and technology, despite regulatory and geopolitical challenges. Looking ahead, opportunities for deeper collaboration in innovation, sustainable development, and trade diversification highlight the potential for a stronger and more dynamic bilateral relationship.

In 2024, Romania and China commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations. Since 1949, this partnership has evolved through various historical, social, and economic phases, influenced by geopolitical dynamics and cultural exchanges. Both countries have consistently adhered to principles of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation, fostering tangible benefits for their citizens.

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Romania and China maintain regular and high-level interactions, which have strengthened their collaborative approach to advancing practical cooperation. This is grounded in the 2013 Joint Declaration by the Governments of China and Romania on Deepening Bilateral Cooperation in New Circumstances.

Chinese investments in Romania have primarily focused on infrastructure and energy projects, many of which align with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Notable projects include high-speed railways, renewable energy projects such as solar power plants, and collaborations on nuclear power plants at Cernavodă. Additionally, China has been involved in developing conventional power plants at Tarnița and Turceni-Rovinari. Huawei’s 5G technology initiatives have also played a significant role in advancing Romania’s telecommunications infrastructure. Despite challenges in tender processes, these initiatives underscore China’s strategic interest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Romania remains an active participant in the 17+1 cooperation format, a framework facilitating collaboration between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs). This format emphasizes infrastructure development, trade, and cultural exchanges, positioning Romania as a key partner in advancing regional connectivity and mutual economic growth.

In this article, we explore the trade and investment interactions between China and Romania and examine the future prospects.

China-Romania trade developments

Bilateral trade between China and Romania continues to grow significantly.

In the first eight months of 2024, trade between the two countries grew by 26.4 percent year-on-year increaseS$8.98 billion. China’s exports to Romania totaled US$6.28 billion, marking a 20.5 percent increase, while imports from Romania rose by 24.4 percent to US$2.69 billion (a 24.4 percent increase). Key export categories from China include machinery, electrical equipment, and vehicles, while Romania exports high-quality products such as cosmetics, mineral water, and wine, which have gained popularity in the Chinese market.

Romania’s exports to China include a range of industrial and agricultural goods. Machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, and mineral fuels represent major export categories, while the agricultural sector has seen growing interest. In July 2024, protocols were signed to facilitate the export of Romanian dairy and wild aquatic products to China, opening new markets for Romanian farmers and producers. This diversification reflects Romania’s efforts to leverage its agricultural strengths and meet the demands of the Chinese market.

Romania’s full inclusion in the Schengen Area from January 1, 2025, is expected to further enhance trade flows, particularly in air and maritime transport.

China’s investment in Romania

Chinese investments in Romania have reached approximately US$410 million as of March 2024, spanning over 13,697 registered firms. These investments are spread across various sectors, including renewable energy, telecommunications, automotive, and manufacturing. Huawei has played a pivotal role in Romania’s information and communication technology sector, employing over 1,300 staff and indirectly creating more than 6,000 jobs. Additionally, Chinese companies such as Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp and NBHX have established factories in Brașov, creating thousands of jobs in the automotive sector.

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Chinese companies have also contributed significantly to Romania’s renewable energy sector. For instance, the Chinese company Chint Group, in collaboration with  Intec Energy Solutions,  is developing Romania’s largest solar power plant, as part of a broader initiative to establish multiple solar power projects across Romania since 2022. Furthermore, the China Railway Express (Wuhan) has successfully utilized rail-sea intermodal transportation to reach Constanța. This development reflects the growing connectivity and trade facilitation between China and Romania, and ultimately with European markets.

The Romanian government’s Green House program, which subsidizes household investments in solar panels, has further encouraged the adoption of renewable energy solutions, with many components sourced from Chinese manufacturers.

Coupled with Romania’s economic growth—projected at 2.6 percent in 2025—these developments create a favorable environment for foreign direct investments (FDI). According to the National Bank of Romania, total Chinese FDI stands at approximately US$1.2 billion, ranking China as the 20th largest investor in the country.

Challenges and future prospects

The Romania-China Economic Forum held in July 2024 highlighted the robust economic ties between the two nations. The forum also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between CCIR and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), aiming to diversify bilateral collaboration and intensify trade exchanges.

Despite the positive trajectory, challenges persist, particularly in regulatory and geopolitical contexts. Romania has implemented stricter foreign investment screening, which may complicate new Chinese projects. Additionally, geopolitical factors, including Romania’s alignment with EU standards, influence investment flows. Nevertheless, opportunities for collaboration in technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure remain abundant.

Looking ahead, China and Romania have the potential to deepen their partnership through initiatives focused on innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable development under the BRI framework. The recent protocols on the export of Romanian dairy and aquatic products to China underscore the growing trade cooperation, further bolstered by China’s vast market potential.