B2B payment practices trends, Romania 2025

Focus on proactive credit risk strategies key to financial stability

The payment behaviour of B2B customers has remained largely stable, and almost 50% of companies in Romania report no significant variation in recent months. However, this means that businesses accustomed to late payments continue to experience delays. Overdue invoices currently affect 42% of all sales transacted on credit, with ongoing liquidity constraints among B2B customers cited as the most common explanation. Bad debts average 5% of B2B invoices, although the steel and metals sector is facing a heavier burden. 

52% of B2B sales are currently conducted on credit, which leaves companies in Romania particularly exposed to customer payment risks. This aligns with broader trends showing increased credit offerings across industries. Despite this growing credit exposure, most businesses in Romania have kept payment terms unchanged, although more report extending terms rather than shortening them. The average payment term stands at around 46 days from invoicing, with collections occurring just over one month past the due date. 

Looking ahead 

Cautious mood amid growing concern about insolvencies and cash flow

Our survey finds that companies in Romania expect to be facing a domestic B2B landscape marked by tighter financial conditions and economic unpredictability. Against this backdrop, 34% of firms tell us they anticipate business insolvencies to increase in the coming months, highlighting growing concerns about financial vulnerability. The remaining companies are split between those who do not foresee an increase in insolvencies and those expressing uncertainty, reflecting a general climate of caution. 

Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) is likely to remain relatively stable according to the majority of businesses in Romania. However, among those expecting changes, most predict a deterioration, anticipating longer payment cycles due to ongoing liquidity strains in their customer base. This trend is mirrored in expectations for inventory and supplier payments as companies foresee a continuation of stock build-up and extended Days Payable Outstanding (DPO). This suggests that more firms may delay payments to suppliers as a measure to preserve internal liquidity. 

Industry insights 

Pharma

More than 60% of pharma companies have ramped up trade credit offerings in recent months to support business continuity and customer relationships. On average, 48% of their B2B sales are now transacted on credit, signalling a proactive approach to B2B trade. Most companies have maintained consistent payment terms, typically averaging 42 days from invoicing. Almost half of businesses report either no significant shift in the payment behaviour of B2B customers or slight improvements. Overdue payments affect an average of 39% of B2B invoices, often stemming from complex procurement processes. Bad debts average 4%, carrying implications for cash flow management and liquidity.

Construction  

55% of B2B sales are currently being conducted on credit in the construction sector, and a notable 64% of companies have recently expanded their trade credit offerings to maintain competitiveness and support business relationships. Most firms have extended payment terms, which now average 50 days from invoicing. While around half of companies report steady B2B payment behaviour, a majority of the rest say there is deterioration. Overdue invoices currently impact 41% of B2B transactions, largely due to liquidity constraints. Bad debts, averaging 5% of B2B invoices, represent a moderate but growing concern, weighing on cash flow management and liquidity. 

Steel and metals 

Most companies in this sector have expanded B2B trade credit offerings to drive sales and support customer relationship, and 54% of B2B transactions are now conducted on credit. This is a significant volume in a sector tightly bound to cyclical demand and cost fluctuations. Payment terms are steady, averaging 45 days from invoicing. Nearly half of businesses report no major change in B2B payment behaviour, although others point to a worsening trend, highlighted by overdue invoices currently affecting 46% of B2B sales. Bad debts now average 6% of credit sales, a noticeable increase that raises concern over growing credit risk. 

Interested in finding out more?

For a complete overview of the 2025 survey results for Romania, download the full report available in the related documents section below.

To explore more on how these insights can strengthen your own credit risk strategy, speak with us at Atradius to see how we can help you stay ahead.