Hypochlorites, chlorites and hypobromites market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Bulgarian market for hypochlorites, chlorites and hypobromites showed considerable growth in both volume and value, despite some annual fluctuations. Market volume, measured in physical terms, rose from 6 731 t in 2019 to a peak of 7 838 t in 2023, reflecting an overall expansion. The market value grew even more sharply, increasing from 1 222 тыс. долл. in 2018 to 3 440 тыс. долл. in 2023. This period saw a temporary contraction in 2021, followed by strong recovery and growth in the subsequent two years.

In 2024, the market volume declined to 7 140 t, while its value fell to 2 671 тыс. долл. This shift coincided with the introduction of new regulatory measures. The implementation of Ordinance №2 in March 2024, which established stricter rules for sampling and laboratory testing of foods, likely affected the supply chain for related chemical products. Simultaneously, updated EU-wide Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulations increased compliance requirements for manufacturers and importers, raising operational costs and potentially constraining market activity during the adjustment period.

Production hypochlorites, chlorites and hypobromites in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 235 thousand US dollars, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 3.4%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 3 008 tonnes of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites, reflecting a strong 18.2% increase compared to the previous year.

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

Exports hypochlorites, chlorites and hypobromites from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 1 581 tonnes of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites, marking a 19.2% rise from a year earlier. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 21.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 326 tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 2 088 tonnes. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a 36.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Moldova, and North Macedonia were consistently the top destinations for Bulgaria's exports in kind. Ukraine accounted for 56.0% of exports, Moldova for 14.1%, and North Macedonia for 6.6%, together making up 76.7% of total 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

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's exports of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 692 thousand US dollars, which is 29.2% higher than in 2019. Despite this, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.4%, with an average annual decline of 7.3%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 535 thousand US dollars, and the largest drop that year was 32.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania formed the core of Bulgaria's exports in value terms. Ukraine held 56.5% of exports, Moldova 15.4%, and Romania 5.3%, collectively accounting for 77.2% of total 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 hypochlorites, chlorites and hypobromites to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites declined. In 2020, imports totaled 5 351 tonnes, representing a slight 3.0% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6.2%, equating to an average annual rate of 2.0%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 5 514 tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania was the main supplier of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites to Bulgaria, accounting for 81.3% of total imports in kind, while other partners had relatively smaller shares.

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

Bulgaria's imports of hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 203 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a robust 24.6% advance compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 57.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.4%.

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

In 2017-2020, Romania, Turkey, and China were the principal sources for Bulgaria's imports in value terms. Romania accounted for 61.3% of imports, Turkey for 17.5%, and China for 5.6%, jointly making up 84.4% 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