Artificial joints of the body market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for artificial joints in Bulgaria declined from USD 11.6 million in 2018 to USD 9.3 million in 2020, representing a contraction of over 19% across two years. A recovery followed in 2021, with the market value rising to USD 10.9 million.

A period of strong expansion occurred in 2022 and 2023, driving the market to USD 14.0 million and then to USD 16.5 million. This growth coincided with the entry of new implant products and suppliers onto the Bulgarian market, such as the Swiss manufacturer Mathys represented by the local firm 'Medicinska Tehnika Inzheniring' OOD. Simultaneously, the underlying demand was supported by a high volume of procedures, with approximately 66 000 artificial joint operations performed in the country during 2022.

In 2024, the market value moderated slightly to USD 15.4 million. This period also saw the European Union adopt Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 on harmonised rules for artificial intelligence, which sets a framework for AI systems used in medicine and may influence the future development of smart medical devices, including artificial joints.

Production artificial joints of the body in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, production of artificial joints of the body in Bulgaria reached its lowest point at 2 111 thousand US dollars, marking a 29.4% decline. The following year, in 2020, output rebounded sharply to 2 748 thousand US dollars, representing a 30.2% increase from the previous year. Overall, production peaked in 2018 and fell to its minimum in 2019, with a 1.4-fold difference between these two years.

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

Exports artificial joints of the body from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, kg

After declining for two consecutive years, Bulgaria's exports of artificial joints of the body in physical terms began to recover. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 59 kilograms, experiencing a significant 69.2% drop. The following year, in 2020, exports rose to 63 kilograms, showing a 5.9% year-over-year increase. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 84%, which translates to an average annual decline of 45.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, three countries dominated Bulgaria's exports of artificial joints of the body in physical terms. Cyprus accounted for 42.3% of exports, Slovenia for 26.7%, and Greece for 22.5%. Together, these three markets represented 91.5% of Bulgaria's total export flows in this category.

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

Following a two-year downturn, Bulgaria's exports of artificial joints of the body in value terms started to grow again. In 2018, exports saw their largest decline of 61.6%. The following year, in 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 66 thousand US dollars. In 2020, exports rebounded to 97 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 48.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 47.7%, with an average annual decline of 19.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets were central to Bulgaria's exports of artificial joints of the body in value terms. Slovenia, Cyprus, and Greece together accounted for 80.1% of the total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports artificial joints of the body to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, kg

After increasing for two years, Bulgaria's imports of artificial joints of the body in physical terms began to decline. In 2019, imports peaked at 12 344 kilograms, showing a 25.8% increase. The following year, in 2020, imports fell to 8 562 kilograms, indicating a steep 30.6% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.7%, with an average annual decline of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Slovenia were the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports of artificial joints of the body in physical terms. The Netherlands accounted for 27.2% of imports, France for 25.4%, and Slovenia for 24.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 77.5% of Bulgaria's total import flows in this category.

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

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of artificial joints of the body in value terms started to decrease. In 2018, imports recorded their largest increase of 17.6%. The following year, in 2019, imports reached their highest point at 8 745 thousand US dollars. In 2020, imports dropped to 6 695 thousand US dollars, which is 23.4% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 3.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, three countries formed the core group for Bulgaria's imports of artificial joints of the body in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 31.3% of imports, Slovenia for 27.2%, and France for 17.1%. Together, these markets represented 75.6% of Bulgaria's total import value in this category.

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

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