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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Bulgarian market for cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip grew steadily, with volume increasing from 10,992 t to 13,405 t. This expansion was supported by the product's wide application in demanding sectors like mining and food processing, where its abrasion resistance and cushioning properties are essential. Furthermore, the market supply was bolstered in 2019 by the commissioning of a new automated film slitting machine, which increased domestic production capacity.

The market reached its peak volume of 14,168 t in 2021 but then contracted over the next two years, falling to 11,065 t by 2023. This decline was reflected in both lower domestic output and reduced import volumes during the period.

In 2024, the market volume recovered to 11,948 t. Market conditions during this year were marked by stability driven primarily by inflationary pressures rather than a surge in consumption. Additionally, new road infrastructure safety regulations effective from April 12, 2024, came into force, potentially influencing the logistics environment for these products.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 16 739 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate 8.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 38.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 647 tonnes, showing a robust 10.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 50.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 14.6%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's exports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined in 2020. Exports totaled 1 500 tonnes, representing a 9.9% decrease compared to 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 664 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 5.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Greece, and Turkey were the leading destinations for Bulgaria's exports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in volume terms. Romania accounted for 33.9% of exports, Greece for 16.0%, and Turkey for 13.9%, together making up 63.9% 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

Bulgaria's export value of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 4 208 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 3.1% gain over 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 7.7%, with an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 736 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest annual decline of 18.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 9.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Romania, Greece, and North Macedonia formed the core markets for Bulgaria's exports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms. Romania represented 35.5% of exports, Greece 21.8%, and North Macedonia 14.8%, collectively accounting for 72.2% of total export flows.

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 PU plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 258 tonnes, up by 9.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 36.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Serbia, and North Macedonia were the main suppliers of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Bulgaria in volume terms. Romania contributed 63.3% of imports, Serbia 11.7%, and North Macedonia 7.4%, together comprising 82.3% 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's imports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip totaled 25 995 thousand US dollars in 2020, an 11.4% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 26.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 27 526 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 33.5%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 15.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Serbia, and Italy consistently led as the top sources for Bulgaria's imports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms. Romania accounted for 51.7% of imports, Serbia for 10.7%, and Italy for 7.7%, jointly representing 70.1% 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