Additives for cements, mortars, concretes market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared additives for cements, mortars, and concretes in Bulgaria demonstrated consistent growth in volume from 15 630 т in 2018 to 25 930 т in 2023, despite a slight contraction to 21 300 т in 2022. In value terms, the market expanded even more markedly, rising from 7 703 тыс. долл. to 18 483 тыс. долл. over the same six-year period.

Recent industry developments include the launch of innovative products such as self-dissolving bag technology for dry concrete and new polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers that significantly reduce water content in mixes. The market is also shaped by stricter regulatory access, including mandatory CE marking for additives and certification requirements aligned with European standards, which affect product quality and availability.

Production additives for cements, mortars, concretes in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 4 716 thousand US dollars, marking a 4.7% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 360.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 66.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market experienced volatility during the observed period. Production hit its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 5.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 7 900 tonnes of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes, representing a sharp decline of 25.6% compared to 2019. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 623 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 149.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports additives for cements, mortars, concretes from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 1 841 tonnes of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes, up 15.8% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 13.3%, translating to an average annual rate of 4.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 1 590 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania and North Macedonia remained the top markets for Bulgaria's exports in kind, jointly accounting for 83.1% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Bulgaria's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 779 thousand US dollars, down 15.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 74.1%, with an average annual decline of 36.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, North Macedonia, and Kazakhstan were significant buyers of Bulgaria's additives for cements, mortars, and concretes in value terms, with shares of 20.5%, 6.1%, and 3.8%, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 30.4% of total exports, while the remaining 69.6% was distributed among numerous other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports additives for cements, mortars, concretes to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's imports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes increased. In 2020, imports totaled 15 030 tonnes, reflecting a steep rise of 36.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 980 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 18.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Romania, and Italy consistently led Bulgaria's imports in kind, with shares of 29.8%, 28.7%, and 9.9%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 68.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria imported approximately 8 453 thousand US dollars worth of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes, corresponding to a strong 20.1% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 29.1%, equating to an average annual rate of 8.9%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 15.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 26.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Romania, Turkey, and Italy were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes in value terms, with shares of 20.5%, 19.7%, and 17.7%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 58.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020