Fresh or chilled pork market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian fresh pork market experienced steady growth in value from $481.9 million in 2018 to $543.8 million in 2020, driven significantly by a sharp rise in feed grain prices which increased production costs and final consumer prices. Concurrently, recurring outbreaks of African Swine Fever imposed export restrictions, particularly in 2020, redirecting more domestic supply to the local market and contributing to a rise in physical market volume to 198,200 t that year despite a drop in production.

A persistent structural deficit, with domestic production covering less than 30% of consumption, necessitated substantial imports from Europe to meet demand. This import reliance intensified in 2020-2021, peaking at 73,700 t, as local output was further constrained by sanitary measures related to African Swine Fever and a gradual reduction in hog inventories. The market structure slowly shifted towards larger-scale industrial production due to farm consolidation, which helped stabilize supply but could not fully offset the herd contraction.

From 2022 onward, import volumes began a gradual decline as the sector started a slow recovery of pig herds. Consumer prices remained above the EU average, influenced by ongoing high feed costs and global market trends, including demand from China. Producers also began introducing new hog hybrids, such as the 'black angel', to adapt to disease pressures and changing economic conditions.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork production experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 380.5 million US dollars, marking a 2.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 21.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 391.9 million US dollars, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018 at 14.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of expansion, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork production saw a downturn. In 2020, the country produced 126.8 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial decline of 10.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest volume was achieved in 2019 at 141.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 at 16.9%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.8 times. In 2020, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork exports amounted to 830 tonnes, a sharp decrease of 72.4% from 2019. The maximum value was reached in 2018 at 3 974 tonnes, with the most significant increase that year at 234.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece remained the dominant export destination in volume terms, accounting for 76.0% of total flows, while the remainder was fragmented across other markets.

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, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The highest export value was registered in 2018, with the lowest in 2020, yielding a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.1 times. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 2.6 million US dollars worth of fresh or chilled pork, a decline of 62.2% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8.0 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 163.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Greece, which represented 77.5% of total flows, with other countries making up 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 fresh or chilled pork to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork imports totaled 72 224 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 35.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 41.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the three largest markets—Spain, France, and Belgium—remained central to Bulgaria's imports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 69.8% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 165.9 million US dollars, a rise of 23.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 42.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (42.0% of import value), France (18.0%), and Belgium (10.8%) accounted for the largest share of Bulgaria's fresh or chilled pork imports in value terms, together comprising 70.8% of total flows.

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

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