Folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for folding cartons and boxes from 2018 was shaped by the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 2018/852, which increased focus on sustainability and recycling. While the market volume contracted to 21,124 t in 2019, it rebounded to 23,642 t in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for packaging used in home delivery of food and goods.

A significant market peak of 34,055 t was reached in 2022. This surge was primarily driven by a national ban on certain single-use plastic items, which redirected demand to cardboard alternatives, and the entry into force of stricter domestic packaging regulations concerning marking and recycling. Concurrently, major local producers continued investing in new technologies and premium product segments.

Following the 2022 high, the market volume corrected to 22,222 t by 2024. In value terms, the market mirrored this trajectory, rising to $64.5 million in 2022 before declining to $56.1 million in 2024.

Production folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has rebounded after two years of decline. In 2019, output hit its lowest point at 46 099 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual drop of 16.3%. However, 2020 saw a strong recovery, with production value reaching 56 545 thousand US dollars—a robust 22.7% increase compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production volume of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has turned upward following two years of decline. In 2019, production fell to its minimum of 22 242 tonnes, recording the steepest annual decline of 14.6%. The trend reversed in 2020, with output rising to 25 171 tonnes—a solid 13.2% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 9.7%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%.

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

Exports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 8 547 tonnes, marking an 8.4% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 55.7%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Germany, and Italy consistently served as the main destinations for Bulgaria's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard. Greece accounted for 20.3% of export volume, Germany for 20.2%, and Italy for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 52.9% 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

The value of Bulgaria's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value totaled 30 989 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant 18.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 75.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 20.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Bulgaria's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Germany led with 21.9% of export value, followed by Greece at 15.1% and Italy at 10.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 47.4% of total export value, with numerous smaller partners holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 7 018 tonnes, showing a gradual 3.7% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 23.4%, which equates to an annualized rate of 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Italy, and Turkey were the primary suppliers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Bulgaria. Romania contributed 29.8% of import volume, Italy 18.6%, and Turkey 11.0%. Together, these three countries made up 59.4% of total import volume.

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

The value of Bulgaria's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has grown for the third year running. In 2020, import value stood at 20 297 thousand US dollars, representing a modest 9.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value expanded by 43.9%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 12.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Italy, and Germany topped the list of suppliers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Bulgaria in value terms. Romania accounted for 23.3% of import value, Italy for 17.0%, and Germany for 12.7%. Their combined share reached 53.0% of total import value.

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

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