Fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Bulgaria expanded consistently, peaking at 73 437 t in 2021. This growth was driven by the country's structural reliance on imported pork, which covered around 60% of domestic consumption by 2021, as local production remained insufficient. In 2019, a nearly 40% drop in Bulgarian pork exports freed up more supply for the home market, further boosting available volume.

The market contracted sharply in 2022 to 53 368 t, a decline of over 27%. This was primarily caused by a 4% reduction in domestic production coupled with lower imports, both stemming from the ongoing impact of African swine fever (ASF) in the EU, high animal feed prices, and a decreased swine herd. New EU and national regulations on labeling and hygiene for pork, introduced that year, added compliance costs but did not reverse the underlying supply constraints.

A partial recovery followed in 2023 and 2024, with the market reaching 60 850 t by 2024, still below the 2021 peak. Imports continued to account for about 70% of supply, though their average price fell. The implementation of EU Regulation 2022/2292 made origin and freeze-thaw date labeling mandatory, changing packaging practices. By 2024, Bulgarian-origin pork represented an estimated 60% of retail offerings, yet this share remained inadequate to meet total consumption, perpetuating import dependence.

Production fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Bulgaria's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 101.7 million US dollars, marking a significant decrease of 16.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 17.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 121.3 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 21.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of expansion, Bulgaria's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses decreased. In 2020, the country produced 39 001 tonnes, down by 21.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 8.9%, averaging an annualized rate of 2.9%. The highest output was in 2019 at 49 555 tonnes, with the most substantial rise recorded in 2018 at 32.5%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Exports fluctuated dramatically, dropping 23-fold from a peak in 2018 to a low in 2020. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 130 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, a sharp decline of 93.9% year-over-year. The maximum volume was in 2018 at 3 030 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 446.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece accounted for 90.0% of Bulgaria's total exports in volume, while the remaining exports were distributed among a diverse group of smaller 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

Market performance showed notable fluctuations over these years. Exports varied by a factor of 20 from the high in 2018 to the low in 2020. In 2020, the value of exported fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Bulgaria totaled 298 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 94.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 5 888 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 578.4%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Greece dominated Bulgaria's export partner structure in value terms, holding a 91.3% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively modest 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 fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 25 228 tonnes, representing a substantial rise of 316.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 405.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 71.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany were the primary sources for Bulgaria's imports in volume. Together, they accounted for 79.8% of total imports, with Belgium leading at 62.7%, followed by the Netherlands at 10.8%, and Germany at 6.3%.

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 fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Bulgaria increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 48 905 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp gain of 238.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 372.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 67.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany—collectively absorbed 78.5% of Bulgaria's total import value for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses.

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

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