DC electric motors and generators market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for DC electric motors and generators in Bulgaria showed steady growth from 2018 to 2020, with market volume in physical terms rising from 282 thousand units to 495 thousand units, and in value from $30.7 million to $59.1 million. This expansion was driven by the introduction of new energy-efficient permanent magnet motor series, such as WQuattro and WMagnet with IE4 and IE5 efficiency classes, which spurred the replacement of older equipment. Legislative changes in the EU and Bulgaria encouraging the use of energy-efficient motors provided an additional demand stimulus. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 increased the need for reliable power generators for emergency backup, supporting the generator segment.

Market growth accelerated in 2021, with the market value reaching $107.8 million, more than 1.8 times the 2020 level. This surge was linked to rising demand for permanent magnet motors in the automotive industry and other industrial applications, supported by ongoing investments from Bulgarian manufacturers like Elprommotors and Hydrosist in new product development. In 2022, import volume rose to 1.4 million units and value to $126.5 million, aided by the continued rollout of high-efficiency technologies (IE4/IE5) and regulatory initiatives promoting the replacement of outdated motors.

In the following years, import volume continued to increase, reaching 3.2 million units in 2024. However, import value declined to $70.5 million in 2024 after peaking at $126.5 million in 2022. Exports also fluctuated, rising to 373 thousand units in 2023 before falling to 182 thousand units in 2024. These shifts reflect changes in trade patterns, potentially due to evolving price levels or product mix.

Production DC motors and generators in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of DC electric motors and generators declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 5 744 thousand US dollars, which represents a 13.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the three-year period from 2018 to 2020, production fell by 18.7%, translating to an average annual decline of 6.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 33 257 units of DC electric motors and generators, marking a 15.4% drop from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 12.6%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 39 310 units, which also saw the largest increase of 3.3%.

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

Exports DC motors and generators from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K unit

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's export volume of DC electric motors and generators declined. In 2020, exports totaled 41.6 thousand units, down 7.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 28.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 44.8 thousand units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 63.3% of Bulgaria's total exports of DC electric motors and generators in volume terms.

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 DC electric motors and generators declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 7 106 thousand US dollars, a 3.7% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 8 829 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 28.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway (29.2% of export value), the Netherlands (15.8%), and Italy (14.5%) were the main markets for Bulgaria's exports of DC electric motors and generators in value terms, together accounting for 59.5% of total exports.

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

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

Imports DC motors and generators to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K unit

Bulgaria's import volume of DC electric motors and generators increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 41.6 thousand units, a 44.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 375.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 68.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal sources—China, Hungary, and Czechia—together accounted for 67.5% of Bulgaria's total imports of DC electric motors and generators in volume terms.

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 import value of DC electric motors and generators increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 60 443 thousand US dollars, showing a robust 22.4% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 347.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 64.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Hungary (57.1% of import value), Japan (19.8%), and China (12.5%) were the key partners for Bulgaria's imports of DC electric motors and generators in value terms, together making up 89.4% of total imports.

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

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