Color printing ink (excluding black) market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2020 and 2024, Bulgaria's domestic production of color printing ink grew substantially from 378 t to 1 396 t. This expansion was fueled by the adoption of advanced color management software like GMG OpenColor and Kodak ColorFlow, which optimized ink usage and improved print quality. The market also saw the introduction of new ink types, including DTF transfer inks and energy-saving UV inks, with leading manufacturers such as Roland DG expanding their color ranges to meet demand for specialized and durable prints.

Total market volume fluctuated during the period, peaking at 2 768 t in 2021 before contracting to 2 481 t in 2022. Regulatory changes significantly influenced this movement: EU safety rules for inks in food-contact materials and a ban on certain tattoo inks altered industry focus, while amendments to Bulgarian excise legislation impacted production and distribution costs. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further affected supply chains and accelerated a shift toward digital printing solutions, reshaping import and consumption patterns.

Following a recovery to 2 571 t in 2023, the market stabilized at approximately 2 520 t in 2024. Domestic output continued to increase at a moderating rate, imports trended downward, and exports remained at a high level. In value terms, the market followed a similar path, rebounding from $13.8 million in 2022 to about $15.6 million by the end of the reviewed span.

Production color printing ink in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports color printing ink from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of color printing ink, excluding black, have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country shipped 330 tonnes, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 45.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 222 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase, with exports jumping by 40.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Bulgaria's exports of color printing ink, excluding black, were North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia. North Macedonia accounted for 31.7% of exports, Albania for 27.8%, and Serbia for 18.9%. Together, these three countries made up 78.5% of Bulgaria's total export flows during this period.

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 color printing ink, excluding black, has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 962 thousand US dollars, a significant 20.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 17.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 213 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 27.3%. On the other hand, 2019 posted the biggest increase, with export value climbing by 34.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the top destinations for Bulgaria's exports of color printing ink, excluding black, in value terms were North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. North Macedonia led with 22.8% of export value, followed by Romania at 18.3%, and Serbia at 14.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 55.7% of Bulgaria's total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports color printing ink to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of color printing ink, excluding black, totaled 2 544 tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 3.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 2 141 tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 19.0%. Conversely, 2019 saw the biggest increase, with imports rising by 20.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Greece, and Turkey were the primary suppliers of color printing ink, excluding black, to Bulgaria. Germany contributed 28.4% of imports, Greece 24.4%, and Turkey 16.2%. Together, these three countries supplied 69.0% of Bulgaria's total import volume in kind during these years.

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's import value of color printing ink, excluding black, stood at 15 489 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 20.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 704 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 19 575 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with import value surging by 54.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, France, and Italy were the largest suppliers of color printing ink, excluding black, to Bulgaria in value terms. Germany accounted for 26.2% of import value, France for 14.7%, and Italy for 12.5%. Combined, these three countries made up 53.4% of Bulgaria's total import value over this period.

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

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