ANIS industry study: IT&C becomes the leader in services exports and exceeds the previous year’s thresholds in contribution to GDP, taxes and value added

HIGHLIGHTS
• EUR 23.6 billion IT&C turnover in 2024 – of which IT reaches EUR 17.7 billion, up from 2023 (EUR 15.6 billion);
• 6.67% of GDP – direct IT&C contribution, slightly down from 2023 (6.8%), of which IT records 5.01%;
• 195,929 IT employees – moderate growth compared to 2023, below the peak in 2022;
• 89,297 lei/employee – the highest fiscal contribution per employee in the economy;
• 45 billion lei personnel expenses – the highest sectoral share;
• 2 billion lei investments in R&D – positioning IT as the leader of private research;
• IT&C becomes the leader in service exports at the economy level in 2025;
• elimination of tax incentives – risk of up to -17.6% in profitability for companies in 2025.

The IT&C industry continued to make a major contribution to the Romanian economy in 2024, with a turnover of EUR 23.6 billion, growing exports and a share of 6.67% in GDP. According to data from the ANIS industry study, however, although the sector remains a pillar of the economy, a moderation in the growth rate is observed, reflecting the first signals of the impact of recent tax changes on the sector’s performance.

“The data confirms that IT&C is one of the sectors that drives the economy forward, not only through financial performance, but also through stability and resilience. The industry continued to invest, hire and export, even in a more difficult operating context. At the same time, the effects of the elimination of the tax facility are starting to be felt and may influence future investments. The growth potential remains, provided that Romania assumes predictable and future-oriented public policies”, says Corina Vasile, Executive Director of ANIS.

Economic performance – moderate growth, below potential

The total turnover of the IT&C sector reached EUR 23.6 billion in 2024, an evolution mainly supported by the IT segment, which rose to EUR 17.7 billion. The direct contribution to GDP remains high and stood at 6.67%, slightly below the level of 2023 (6.8%), an evolution that reflects both the general economic context and the pressure on future investments.

IT&C exports – a consolidated pillar of external competitiveness

In 2024, IT&C services represented 25.6% of total services exports, and in the first seven months of 2025, the sector became the No. 1 exporter of services. This change in positioning shows both the maturity of the industry and the capacity for international scaling, as well as the potential to orient the Romanian economy towards areas with high added value, based on knowledge and skills.

Labor market – modest growth, pressure on costs

The number of IT employees reached 195,929 in 2024, a modest increase compared to 2023, but below the record level reached in 2022. However, the pressure on salary costs is evident:

• personnel expenses increased to 45 billion lei, representing 38.4% of turnover, the highest sectoral share in the economy;

• the average gross salary exceeds 15,000 lei, maintaining a sustained growth rate and positioning the sector as the main contributor to taxes per employee.

“IT&C is the sector with the highest fiscal contribution per employee in the Romanian economy. It is a responsibility that the industry assumes and a strong argument for a dialogue based on predictability and partnership”, emphasizes Corina Vasile.

Productivity and R&D investment – ​​a strong but vulnerable point

The added value generated by the sector remains one of the highest in the economy, and private R&D investment reaches approximately 2 billion lei, confirming the role of IT as the main driver of innovation in Romania. However, without coherent support policies, there is a risk that high-value projects will be relocated to more competitive markets.

Impact of the elimination of tax incentives – early signals

Impact scenarios show a potential decline in profitability between 8.8% and 17.6%, with a major negative impact on SMEs, which represent 97% of the IT ecosystem by number of companies. Against a backdrop of already compressed margins due to wage costs and global price pressure, a further reduction in profitability may affect innovation capacity, talent retention and international expansion.

Instead of conclusions – Key directions for maintaining the role of IT&C as a driver of the economy

1. Fiscal predictability and a competitive framework for highly skilled labor. Sudden changes affect investment and confidence.

2. Strengthening incentives for research and development and innovation. R&D is the catalyst for added value and own products.

3. National upskilling/reskilling programs in AI, cloud, cybersecurity. Demand exceeds supply of skills.

4. Support schemes for SMEs and technological scale-ups. 96% are micro-enterprises — without support, we will not produce regional champions.

5. Attracting and retaining foreign direct investment in technology. FDI remains a critical pillar of the ecosystem.

6. Robust STEM and digital education, from school to university. The skills deficit is a strategic vulnerability.

7. Accelerating the digitalization of the economy and public administration. Without domestic demand, the local ecosystem stagnates.

“IT&C is a strategic sector for Romania and an accelerator of economic modernization. The data shows that the performance and potential still exist, but it is a turning point, in which public policies must create the conditions for this performance to become a sustainable competitive advantage,” concludes Corina Vasile.