Asphalt paving mixtures and blocks market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Bulgarian market for asphalt paving mixtures and blocks experienced substantial growth in both volume and value. Market volume increased from 1 235 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 692 thousand tons in 2020, while the market's value rose from 71 186 thousand US dollars to 90 665 thousand US dollars over the same period.

Following 2020, detailed market size data is unavailable, but trade flows show variability. In 2022, the market saw significant corporate activity with the 'Patni stroezhi – Veliko Tarnovo' group strengthening its position through a key acquisition of a production base in Sevlievo, expanding its production capacity and market share. This move by a major player altered the competitive landscape. Furthermore, the state-owned company 'Avtomagistrali-Cherno More' AD operates four modern asphalt bases, supplying bituminous mixtures at competitive prices and influencing market supply. Technological shifts also emerged, including increased use of recycled asphalt pavement material within regulated limits for new mixtures, affecting production processes.

Production asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 89 710 thousand US dollars, marking an 8.1% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 121.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 30.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Bulgaria's production of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 687 thousand tonnes, up 8.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 115.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 29.2%.

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

Exports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 582 tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 14 767 tonnes, representing a 25-fold increase. In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks grew by 163.8% year-on-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 48.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, soaring by 861.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania played a dominant role, accounting for 97.0% of Bulgaria's total exports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in volume terms.

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

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports in value terms hit their lowest point in 2018 at 356 thousand US dollars, then surged to a peak in 2020 at 5 179 thousand US dollars, a fluctuation of 14.5 times. In 2020, shipments increased by 117.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018, dropping by 72.3%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, rising by 568.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Romania nearly dictated the geographical structure of Bulgaria's exports in value terms, holding a 92.8% share of total flows for asphalt paving mixtures and blocks.

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

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

Imports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports in volume terms were at their lowest in 2018 with 1 891 tonnes, then climbed to a high in 2020 with 19 664 tonnes, showing a 10.4-fold gap. In 2020, Bulgaria's imports rose by 19.2% relative to the prior year. The largest decline was in 2018, decreasing by 57.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, jumping by 772.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania were the primary sources for Bulgaria's imports in volume terms, together making up 84.7% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other markets.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports in value terms varied 4.6-fold, with the minimum recorded in 2018 at 1 484 thousand US dollars and the maximum in 2019 at 6 788 thousand US dollars. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 6 133 thousand US dollars worth of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, a modest decline of 9.6% from 2019. The largest drop was in 2018, falling by 40.2%, while the most significant rise was in 2019, increasing by 357.4%.

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

In 2017–2020, the main markets for Bulgaria's imports in value terms were Greece with 51.4%, Romania with 18.5%, and the United States with 6.0%, collectively accounting for 76.0% of total flows for asphalt paving mixtures and blocks.

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

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