Corrugated paper and paperboard market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian corrugated paper and paperboard market opened the period at 46.0 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by low regulatory barriers for new retail entrants and the established presence of major producers like Unipak and Smurfit Kappa. Market volume then contracted over the next two years, falling to 41.3 thousand tonnes by 2020, a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted logistics and altered packaging demand across segments. Despite this, domestic production was sustained through ongoing investments in new manufacturing capacities and technology.

A recovery in 2021 saw market volume rise to 45.0 thousand tonnes, while its value surged by 30% to USD 39.8 million, driven significantly by record wood exports from Bulgaria that raised raw material prices and boosted producer revenues, exemplified by the strong performance of Dunapack Packaging Plovdiv. The following year, geopolitical tensions from the war in Ukraine led to sharp increases in energy and material costs, which contributed to a further decline in physical volume to 40.1 thousand tonnes but pushed the market's value to a peak of USD 41.8 million. Concurrently, new national packaging waste regulations and a shift in consumer preference towards sustainable packaging began reshaping product demand.

In the final years of the period, the market's downward trend continued, with volume declining to 36.8 thousand tonnes in 2024, a 20% reduction from the 2018 high. The market value also fell substantially to USD 31.9 million in 2024, reflecting the sustained pressure on the sector.

Production corrugated paper and paperboard in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's corrugated paper and paperboard production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 26 965 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate drop of 8.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 153 thousand US dollars, which saw a 1.1% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.8% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's corrugated paper and paperboard production volume increased in 2020. Output reached 36 942 tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 36 800 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 10.3% decrease.

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

Exports corrugated paper and paperboard from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's corrugated paper and paperboard export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 037 tonnes, representing a limited fall of 8.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 31.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 495 tonnes, which saw a 1.6% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 26.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia was the key buyer of corrugated paper and paperboard from Bulgaria, accounting for 75.7% of total exports in volume terms. The remaining share was distributed among a diversified group of other countries.

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

Corrugated paper and paperboard exports from Bulgaria declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 343 thousand US dollars, down by 13.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 24.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 022 thousand US dollars, which saw a 29.4% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 32.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia was the dominant market for Bulgarian corrugated paper and paperboard exports in value terms, taking 72.8% of total flows. Other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports corrugated paper and paperboard to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Corrugated paper and paperboard import volumes to Bulgaria declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 7 444 tonnes, which is 19.0% less compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 11 051 tonnes, which saw a 5.0% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania and Greece were the dominant suppliers of corrugated paper and paperboard to Bulgaria, together accounting for 86.2% of total imports in volume terms. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

Foreign supplies of corrugated paper and paperboard to Bulgaria declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 5 981 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a substantial fall of 17.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 052 thousand US dollars, which saw a 17.3% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 20.3% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania were the dominant sources for corrugated paper and paperboard imports to Bulgaria in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.0% of total flows. The remaining volume was split among smaller markets.

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

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