The number of companies defaulting on payments in the first quarter of 2026 reflects pressure due to high financing costs and consumption contraction on some key segments. Traditionally vulnerable fields such as construction, retail trade and transport continue to dominate the ranking of proceedings opened at commercial courts.
Data from Romania’s National Trade Register Office and the National Institute of Statistics shows that 66 impact companies, with assets worth over EUR1 million, went insolvent in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 25 reported in the same period of 2025.
According to Sierra Quadrant analysis, of the total 1,829 insolvencies registered in the first quarter of the year, 738 (40%) insolvency proceedings were opened in March 2026.
The list of insolvencies in 2026 includes many industrial companies. From the agrifood sector to metallic construction and wood processing, a growing number of companies face high production costs, dwindling external demand, tighter financing conditions and volatility across international supply chains. Similarly, the economic slowdown of Germany — Romania’s main commercial partner — directly impacts local companies integrated into European industrial chains.
The concentration of insolvencies in March 2026 suggests accelerated pressure will become visible in the second quarter of 2026 as well. Market forecasts point to a potential rebound starting 2027.