Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes in Bulgaria, measured in physical volume, contracted from 184.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 173.8 thousand tons in 2020. This downward trend reversed sharply in 2021, when consumption surged to 202.6 thousand tons, representing the highest volume in the observed period. By 2023, however, the market volume had retreated to 180.1 thousand tons.

In value terms, the market displayed a different trajectory. After a modest decline from 187.8 million USD in 2018 to 178.5 million USD in 2020, the market's value expanded significantly to 229.0 million USD in 2021 and continued to grow to 235.2 million USD in 2023. This increase in market value amidst a lower physical volume in 2023 points to rising unit prices or a shift toward higher-value products within the segment.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Bulgaria's production of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 162.8 million US dollars, showing a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.0%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 174.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.0%. In contrast, the most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Bulgaria's production volume of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 164.5 thousand tonnes, marking a controlled contraction of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 6.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%. The peak volume was reached in 2018 at 178.2 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 1.6%. The most substantial decline was in 2019, with a reduction of 4.5%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have declined for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 6 357 tonnes, down by 21.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 34.7%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of Bulgaria's cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard were Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania. Greece accounted for 38.4% of exports in volume, North Macedonia for 26.2%, and Romania for 8.7%. Together, these three countries made up 73.3% of total exports in kind.

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 cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 8 965 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest decline of 9.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 20.7%, with an average annual decrease of 7.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 364 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a fall of 19.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania were the primary destinations for Bulgaria's exports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Greece represented 29.2% of exports, North Macedonia 18.3%, and Romania 9.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 56.8% 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 corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Bulgaria's imports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, imports came to 15 570 tonnes, showing a decrease of 7.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 15.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 832 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Romania, and Greece were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. Turkey supplied 30.0% of imports, Romania 24.2%, and Greece 15.0%. Together, these three countries comprised 69.1% 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

Bulgaria imported a total of 24 697 thousand US dollars worth of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in 2020, which represents a 2.7% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 25 408 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 31.0%. The most significant decline was in 2019, with a drop of 5.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Turkey, Romania, and Italy led as the top suppliers of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard to Bulgaria in value terms. Turkey accounted for 31.9% of imports, Romania for 19.1%, and Italy for 14.4%. Their combined share reached 65.4% 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