Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for household and sanitary paper in wide rolls grew from 37 073 t in 2018 to 38 163 t in 2019, supported by leading domestic producers like Bellahart and Selena Paper expanding their product segments and private label offerings, which enhanced market access and competition.

Market volume dipped to 36 301 t in 2021 before a notable surge to 45 412 t in 2022, driven by rising imports. A sharp contraction followed in 2023 as domestic production fell by over 50%, reducing the market size to 38 821 t despite sustained import levels.

In 2024, imports increased to 36 410 t, while industry attention shifted toward recycling and sustainability, exemplified by Kaufland Bulgaria's collection of over 11 700 t of paper for recycling, reflecting evolving consumer and environmental priorities.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 31 K t of this product, marking a modest gain of 1.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 27 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 9.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase, with production rising by 13.3%.

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

Exports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Bulgaria have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 23 397 t, showing a sharp increase of 26.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 41%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 14 666 t, which also recorded the largest decline of 11.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia were the primary buyers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Bulgaria. Greece accounted for 63.6% of exports in kind, Romania for 10.9%, and North Macedonia for 6.1%. Together, these three countries made up 80.6% of Bulgaria's total exports in this category.

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

Cross-border shipments of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Bulgaria have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 23 450 K $ US worth of this product, reflecting a solid uptick of 22.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 34%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 657 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 10.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia played leading roles in Bulgaria's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms. Greece accounted for 64.8% of exports, Romania for 10.0%, and North Macedonia for 6.2%. Collectively, these three markets represented 81.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets into Bulgaria have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 30 180 t of this product, which is 14.7% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 24 961 t, which also recorded the largest decline of 2.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Turkey, Greece, and Romania were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in kind. Turkey accounted for 44.3% of imports, Greece for 25.0%, and Romania for 24.2%. Together, these three countries comprised 93.4% 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, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from abroad reached 32 123 K $ US, marking a gain of 8.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Greece, and Romania formed the main cluster of markets for Bulgaria's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms. Turkey accounted for 43.7% of imports, Greece for 24.6%, and Romania for 23.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 91.6% 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