Dolomite and dolomite ramming mix market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dolomite and dolomite ramming mix in Bulgaria experienced a modest decline in 2020 to 134 thousand tons, down from 141 thousand tons in 2019, a period which saw the strengthening of EU product safety obligations for economic operators. This was followed by a sharp expansion in 2021, with market volume surging to 196 thousand tons and its value increasing nearly fourfold to 863 thousand US dollars.

Key regulatory developments directly affecting the industry occurred from 2022 onward, starting with amendments to Bulgaria's Law on Underground Wealth that established rules for the extraction of construction materials including dolomite. Further legislative changes followed in 2024, including additional revisions to the mining law and the implementation of the EU electricity market reform, which altered the operating environment for producers amidst global energy market volatility and cost pressures.

Throughout the period from 2019 to 2024, Bulgaria consistently maintained a net exporter position for dolomite. Export volumes reached a high of 19.1 thousand tons in 2022, while import volumes, though rising temporarily in 2021 and 2022, remained significantly lower, reflecting the country's substantial production capacity.

Production dolomite and dolomite ramming mix in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix was valued at 562.5 thousand US dollars, marking a slight contraction of 0.6% compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 31.5%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 11.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 147.2 thousand tonnes of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix, down by 5.2% from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 28.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.4%.

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

Exports dolomite and dolomite ramming mix from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The export market for dolomite and dolomite ramming mix from Bulgaria showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at just 27 tonnes, but then surged dramatically in 2019 to a peak of 14 299 tonnes, representing a staggering 52 278.6% increase. This created a massive 524-fold gap between the two years. In 2020, exports moderated to 13 328 tonnes, reflecting a controlled contraction of 6.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 80.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, all of Bulgaria's exports of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix in volume terms were directed to Romania, making this market overwhelmingly dominant with a 100.0% share.

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

The export market in value terms exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. In 2018, exports reached their minimum at 0.2 thousand US dollars, but then skyrocketed in 2019 to a maximum of 372.1 thousand US dollars, a remarkable increase of 154 158.6%. This resulted in a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1 543 times between these years. In 2020, exports settled at 364.6 thousand US dollars, which was 2.0% lower than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a 79.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania clearly dominated as the buyer of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix from Bulgaria, accounting for 100.0% of total exports 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 dolomite and dolomite ramming mix to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, foreign supplies of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix to Bulgaria saw a modest increase in 2020, with import volume reaching 136 tonnes, up 5.6% from the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 72.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 35.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 129 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 52.9% drop.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Germany were the core markets for Bulgaria's imports of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix in volume terms, jointly accounting for 82.1% of total flows, while other destinations had comparatively modest 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

Bulgaria's imports of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix in value terms declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 19.1 thousand US dollars, which was 2.9% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 71.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -34.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Turkey, and North Macedonia continued to lead as the top suppliers of dolomite and dolomite ramming mix to Bulgaria in value terms. Germany accounted for 38.4% of imports, Turkey for 32.6%, and North Macedonia for 14.9%, jointly taking 85.9% 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