Concrete tiles and flagstones market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for concrete tiles and flagstones in Bulgaria showed considerable movement between 2018 and 2022. Starting at 558 thousand tons, market volume surged by 24% to 693 thousand tons in 2019, then contracted slightly to 655 thousand tons in 2020. A strong rebound followed in 2021, with volume climbing to 735 thousand tons, before settling at 692 thousand tons in 2022.

In value terms, the market exhibited even stronger growth, expanding from $41.6 million in 2018 to $60.3 million in 2022. This increase was particularly sharp in 2021, when the market's value jumped 23% to $61.5 million, indicating a rise in unit values or a shift toward higher-value products alongside the volume recovery.

Domestic production closely tracked the market's physical expansion and contraction, confirming that local manufacturers are the primary supply source. Imports consistently accounted for a minor share of supply, while export volumes trended downward throughout the period.

Production concrete tiles and flagstones in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of concrete tiles and flagstones has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 49 426 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 4.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 47.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's production of concrete tiles and flagstones declined. In 2020, the country produced 659.8 thousand tonnes, down by 5.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 43.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 697.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 23.7%.

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

Exports concrete tiles and flagstones from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of concrete tiles and flagstones have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 12 396 tonnes, representing a significant year-over-year decline of 12.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 21%, equivalent to an annualized reduction rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia were the main markets for Bulgaria's concrete tiles and flagstones exports in volume terms. Serbia accounted for 35.3% of exports, Albania for 29.3%, and North Macedonia for 21.8%. Together, these three countries made up 86.4% 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 exports of concrete tiles and flagstones in value terms have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 2 372 thousand US dollars, showing a robust drop of 12.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 3 015 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Italy, Serbia, and North Macedonia—collectively accounted for 68.1% of Bulgaria's total exports of concrete tiles and flagstones in value terms.

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

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

Imports concrete tiles and flagstones to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of concrete tiles and flagstones reached 7 720 tonnes, down by 18.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.7%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 10.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Greece, Czechia, and Romania were the principal suppliers of concrete tiles and flagstones to Bulgaria in volume terms. Greece held 55.0% of imports, Czechia 10.6%, and Romania 8.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 73.7% 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 concrete tiles and flagstones in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 740 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual year-over-year rise of 5.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 16.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 204 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 33.0%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 17.9%.

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

The structure of Bulgaria's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Italy accounted for 18.5% of imports, the United States for 15.9%, and Greece for 13.5%. Together, these three countries made up just 47.9% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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