Ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian ceramic tiles and finishing ceramics market exhibited notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2024. The market's initial phase was underpinned by a strong domestic production base, led by KAI Group with an annual capacity exceeding 28 million m² and the active presence of the newer manufacturer DURA TILES BG AD. This robust supply structure supported significant export volumes and a substantial domestic market size of 12.3 million m² in 2018. Following a contraction in 2019, market volume rebounded sharply to 13.3 million m² in 2020.

Market value grew substantially in the following years, rising from $75.3 million in 2018 to a peak of $116.1 million by 2023. This increase in monetary terms was notably influenced by the rise of major importers and distributors. Specifically, the entry and market dominance of 'Feniks Gres' as the largest importer and wholesaler intensified competition and likely contributed to a greater availability of higher-value imported products, a dynamic reflected in the 28% surge in market value to $114.7 million in 2022.

The market volume in physical terms contracted significantly in 2024, falling to 11.2 million m², while the market value saw a more moderate decline to $108.3 million. This period coincided with factors that increased production costs, including the indirect impact of the war in Ukraine and green transition policies. Despite this short-term pressure, the sector attracted new long-term investment, evidenced by the start of construction of a new manufacturing plant by the Spanish company Keros Ceramica in Ruse during 2024.

Production ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's production of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics was valued at 132.0 million US dollars, marking a gradual increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 13.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.4%. The smallest change occurred in 2019, with a slight decline of 0.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Following a two-year decline, Bulgaria's production of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics rebounded. In 2020, output reached 30,006 thousand square meters, showing a robust increase of 11.1% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 27,007 thousand square meters, which represented a decline of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Exports ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K m²

Bulgaria's exports of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 22,567 thousand square meters, up by 0.9% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 17.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Greece, and the United Kingdom were the core markets for Bulgaria's exports in kind. Romania accounted for 38.7% of exports, Greece for 9.7%, and the United Kingdom for 8.7%. Together, these three countries represented 57.2% 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, M $ US

Bulgaria's exports of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 105.2 million US dollars, up by 11.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Greece, and Italy were the principal destinations for Bulgaria's exports in value terms. Romania made up 38.7% of exports, Greece 10.1%, and Italy 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 56.6% 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 ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K m²

Bulgaria's imports of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 5,844 thousand square meters, which was 8.5% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Italy led the structure of Bulgaria's imports in kind. Turkey accounted for 27.6% of imports, Spain for 23.9%, and Italy for 19.1%. Together, these three countries represented 70.6% 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, M $ US

Bulgaria's imports of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 44.8 million US dollars, up by 8.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 17.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Italy, Spain, and Turkey were the top suppliers of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics to Bulgaria in value terms. Italy accounted for 28.5% of imports, Spain for 26.8%, and Turkey for 21.4%. Their combined share reached 76.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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