Brake fluids and antifreezes market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for brake fluids and antifreezes fluctuated in volume between 2018 and 2023, reaching highs of 14 962 t in 2020 and 14 030 t in 2022, but dropping to 12 355 t in 2023. In value terms, the market grew from $16.9 million in 2018 to $18.9 million in 2022, before contracting to $16.4 million in 2023.

By 2024, the market value stabilized at $16.3 million. During this period, global trends began to influence the sector. Growth in worldwide electric vehicle production stimulated demand for advanced brake fluids compatible with electronic brake systems. Fluctuations in crude oil prices impacted the cost of ethylene glycol, a key raw material. Simultaneously, tightening global safety and environmental regulations, alongside the introduction of new products such as BASF's HYDRAULAN® fluids, are driving innovation and collaboration with automakers.

Production brake fluids and antifreezes in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's production of brake fluids and antifreezes was valued at 10 402 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 25.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 36.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 7.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 10 721 tonnes of brake fluids and antifreezes, representing a substantial increase of 30.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 45.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 13.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 0.9%.

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

Exports brake fluids and antifreezes from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 760 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 2 033 tonnes, with the peak being 2.7 times higher than the low. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 2 033 tonnes of brake fluids and antifreezes, reflecting a sharp increase of 45.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 16.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 83.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Romania, Ukraine, and Greece—collectively accounted for 57.2% of Bulgaria's total exports of brake fluids and antifreezes 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 market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2018 at 1 168 thousand US dollars and reached their peak in 2020 at 2 726 thousand US dollars, with the peak being 2.3 times higher than the low. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 2 726 thousand US dollars worth of brake fluids and antifreezes, up by 83.6% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania (22.1% of exports in value terms), Ukraine (17.4% of exports in value terms), and Algeria (15.4% of exports in value terms) were the primary buyers of brake fluids and antifreezes from Bulgaria, together accounting for 54.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports brake fluids and antifreezes to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Imports of brake fluids and antifreezes into Bulgaria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 275 tonnes, showing a modest gain of 2.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 42%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for brake fluids and antifreezes imports into Bulgaria. Belgium (19.4% of imports in volume terms), Germany (18.1% of imports in volume terms), and Czechia (12.3% of imports in volume terms) together accounted for only 49.8% of total imports in volume terms, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

Imports of brake fluids and antifreezes into Bulgaria declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7 907 thousand US dollars, representing a decrease of 1.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 011 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (23.6% of imports in value terms), Germany (23.1% of imports in value terms), and Italy (8.8% of imports in value terms) consistently held leading positions in Bulgaria's import structure in value terms, jointly accounting for 55.4% of total import flows.

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

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