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.