Frozen pork market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen pork market in Bulgaria expanded in 2019, driven by a notable increase in domestic production, which rose by over 30% in volume. This growth was supported by rising imports, leading to an 8% increase in market volume. However, in 2020, the market contracted due to a dual shock from the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. ASF-related export restrictions and overproduction in Europe caused a decline in exports and stabilized domestic prices, reducing market volume by 8%.

Market volume rebounded strongly in 2021, growing by 16% to reach 75 thousand tons, though the market value remained nearly flat, indicating lower average prices. By 2022, volume slightly decreased while value increased modestly, reflecting stable demand and slight price adjustments.

A significant shift occurred in 2023 when market volume fell by 6%, but value surged by 40% to 208.8 million USD. This was primarily due to reduced imports and domestic production, compounded by the impact of ASF in Spain, which tightened global supply and pushed prices upward. In 2024, market value declined by 9% despite a minor drop in volume, as import prices fell by 5.1% and ASF continued to affect trade patterns, including a sharp rise in exports to Italy and a collapse in shipments to Germany.

Production frozen pork in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's frozen pork production has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output of frozen pork reached 31 820 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 67.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 147.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 621 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's frozen pork production has expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 13 447 tonnes of frozen pork, representing a substantial year-over-year increase of 95.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 169.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 39.1%.

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

Exports frozen pork from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's frozen pork exports have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 624 tonnes, reflecting a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.2%, with an annualized decline of 1.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 140 tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 21.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Italy, and Romania remained the primary buyers of Bulgarian frozen pork in volume terms. Greece accounted for 53.1% of exports, Italy for 21.2%, and Romania for 10.3%. Together, these three countries constituted 84.7% of total exports in kind.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria's frozen pork exports were valued at 4.0 million US dollars, which is 26.8% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 22.3%, with an annualized decrease of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4.0 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 5.5 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 37.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Greece dominated Bulgaria's frozen pork exports in value terms, holding a 73.5% share of total flows. Other markets collectively accounted for the remaining portion.

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

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

Imports frozen pork to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's frozen pork imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 54 157 tonnes, showing an 18.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 10.1%, with an annualized decline of 3.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 66 081 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and Hungary formed the main cluster of markets for Bulgaria's frozen pork imports in volume terms. Spain accounted for 28.0% of imports, Germany for 25.7%, and Hungary for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 61.7% of total import 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

In 2020, Bulgaria's frozen pork imports were valued at 111.7 million US dollars, down by 17.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 134.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 19.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Bulgaria's frozen pork imports in value terms were Spain, Germany, and Hungary. Spain accounted for 32.4% of imports, Germany for 22.7%, and Hungary for 8.3%. Collectively, these three countries made up 63.4% of total import flows.

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

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