Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cellular polystyrene plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Bulgaria expanded from 15 006 t in 2018 to 20 626 t in 2024, reflecting overall growth despite intermediate fluctuations. The peak was reached in 2021 at 21 754 t, after which a moderate contraction occurred in 2022 and 2023 before a partial recovery in the final year.

In value terms, the market showed more pronounced swings, rising from $41.5 million in 2018 to $58.4 million in 2024. A sharp increase of 58% was recorded in 2021, lifting the market value to $60.0 million, followed by a further rise to $67.9 million in 2022. The subsequent decline in 2023 to $57.3 million and a slight uptick in 2024 indicate significant volatility in prices or a shift in the product mix toward higher-value segments over the period.

Domestic production followed a similar trajectory, growing from 13 922 t to 18 793 t between 2018 and 2024, while trade flows contributed to the net market supply. The overall consumption trend remained positive over the seven-year span, supported by industrial demand for cellular polystyrene materials.

Production cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in monetary terms declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 39 319 thousand US dollars, marking a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 23.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 40 180 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 17.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in physical terms rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 17 703 tonnes, showing a small year-over-year increase of 2.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 36.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%.

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

Exports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in physical terms declined after two years of growth. In 2020, export volume stood at 4 463 tonnes, down 2.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 53.6%, with an annualized rate of 15.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 591 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 41.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania consistently accounted for 78.5% of Bulgaria's total exports in physical terms, highlighting a strong concentration on this market. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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 cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in monetary terms fell after two years of gains. In 2020, exports amounted to 10 931 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate year-over-year contraction of 3.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 61.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 11 355 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 36.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Romania was the primary buyer of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Bulgaria, accounting for 79.6% of total exports in value terms. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in physical terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 4 933 tonnes, showing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 3.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 11%, with a compound annual decline rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Greece, and Turkey were the main suppliers of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Bulgaria in physical terms. Romania accounted for 26.7% of imports, Greece for 24.4%, and Turkey for 17.6%, together representing 68.7% of total imports.

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's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in monetary terms fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 9 659 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong year-over-year decrease of 15.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Turkey were the principal sources of imports in value terms for Bulgaria. Greece accounted for 24.4% of imports, while Romania and Turkey each held 19.3%, collectively representing 63.0% 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