Candles and tapers market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for candles and tapers in Bulgaria began expanding from 2018, driven by the emergence of new product segments such as beeswax candles and a growing consumer preference for aromatic and decorative varieties. This trend was reinforced in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behavior, increasing demand for home comfort and relaxation products, which included scented candles.

Accelerated growth characterized the 2021-2022 period. The aromatic candle market developed in line with broader trends in the perfumery and cosmetics sector, with a strong shift towards online sales and an offering of luxury home products. Furthermore, Bulgarian producers successfully entered the European market with high-quality candles containing essential oils and German wax, expanding market access and stimulating product innovation.

Following a peak in 2023, the market volume saw a modest correction in 2024, reflecting a natural adjustment after several years of rapid expansion.

Production candles and tapers in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of candles and tapers, measured in monetary terms, rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, output reached 3 988 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.7% increase from 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.7%. The lowest point was in 2019, with a value of 3 569 thousand US dollars, and that year also saw the steepest drop of 14.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In terms of physical volume, Bulgaria produced 1 578 tonnes of candles and tapers in 2020, representing a significant 35.7% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 35.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 10.6%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 1 163 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 7.6%.

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

Exports candles and tapers from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of candles and tapers in physical terms recovered after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country exported 1 272 tonnes, a sharp 45.7% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 873 tonnes, while the most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 23.0% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Greece, and France were the top destinations for Bulgaria's candle and taper exports in physical terms. Germany accounted for 45.0% of exports, Greece for 14.4%, and France for 9.7%, collectively making up 69.1% of total export flows.

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

In monetary terms, Bulgaria's candle and taper exports saw a recovery after a two-year drop. In 2020, exports totaled 2 928 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 16.0% year-over-year rise. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 24.2%, with an average annual decline of 8.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 2 525 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 23.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Greece, and the United Kingdom were the primary markets for Bulgaria's candle and taper exports in value terms, together accounting for 70.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports candles and tapers to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of candles and tapers in physical terms continued to grow for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 131 tonnes, up 20.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 76%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and China remained the main suppliers of candles and tapers to Bulgaria in physical terms. Poland contributed 39.1% of imports, Germany 23.4%, and China 10.2%, collectively forming 72.7% of total import volume.

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 monetary terms, Bulgaria's imports of candles and tapers grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 3 331 thousand US dollars, indicating an 11.9% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 101.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Poland, Germany, and Czechia were the leading sources for Bulgaria's candle and taper imports in value terms, together accounting for 64.7% of total import value.

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

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