Central heating boilers market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for central heating boilers in Bulgaria was valued at USD 18.4 million in 2018 but contracted to USD 13.5 million by 2020. Domestic production rose from USD 9.5 million in 2018 to USD 9.7 million in 2019, partly due to the expansion of local manufacturers' capacities, who broadened their offerings to include electric and pellet boilers. This period saw a strong market shift toward EU-compliant, energy-efficient condensing gas boilers, a trend initially supported by purchase incentives available until mid-2017. Consumer preference increasingly favored models with remote control and higher efficiency, while import values fell from USD 16.8 million to USD 14.3 million in 2019, contributing to the overall market contraction.

Following 2020, import and export flows showed significant volatility. Imports surged to USD 20.7 million in 2021, likely driven by national programs and European green energy targets that stimulated demand for modern heating systems. However, imports plummeted to USD 10.0 million in 2022, coinciding with the impact of global factors such as sharp increases in energy prices, which affected costs and consumer behavior. Exports peaked at USD 21.1 million in 2022 before declining to USD 8.8 million by 2024. During 2021-2022, regulatory pressure for higher energy efficiency and ecological standards intensified, supported by state and EU investments in heating system modernization and the replacement of old boilers. By 2024, import values stabilized around USD 8.2 million alongside exports of USD 8.8 million, indicating a reduced level of foreign trade compared to earlier years.

Production central heating boilers in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Central heating boiler production in Bulgaria declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 9 746 K $ US. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 9 163 K $ US, marking a 6.0% decrease from the previous year. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 2.4%.

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

Exports central heating boilers from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of central heating boilers have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country exported 2 876 t, representing a sharp increase of 34.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 104.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria and Germany were the dominant partners in Bulgaria's exports of central heating boilers by volume, while all other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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 central heating boilers have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 11 966 K $ US, up by 47.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 159.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 37.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, Germany, and Romania led Bulgaria's export structure by value. Austria accounted for 59.8% of exports, Germany for 16.1%, and Romania for 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented 88.0% 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 central heating boilers to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of central heating boilers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 736 t, a moderate decrease of 9.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 21.3%, with an average annual decline of 7.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 664 t. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2019, with a drop of 27.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 20.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Germany, and Italy were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports of central heating boilers by volume. Turkey accounted for 33.1% of imports, Germany for 14.7%, and Italy for 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 61.3% 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

In 2020, Bulgaria imported central heating boilers worth 16 297 K $ US, an increase of 13.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 30.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%. The peak import value was in 2018 at 16 778 K $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 14.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 34.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Italy, and Romania were the primary sources for Bulgaria's imports of central heating boilers by value. Germany accounted for 29.2% of imports, Italy for 24.2%, and Romania for 12.5%. Together, these three countries absorbed 65.9% 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