Injection moulding machines market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Bulgarian injection moulding machine market was shaped by technological advancements that enhanced equipment performance and efficiency. The introduction of computerized automation systems, wireless sensors for process control, and energy-efficient hydraulic machines encouraged investment in modern machinery. This period also saw the emergence of more powerful machines on the local market and increased integration of industrial robots into production lines, supporting industry modernization. These developments occurred alongside a decline in import value from USD 23.9 million in 2018 to USD 8.8 million in 2020, while the market size was USD 14.5 million in 2019.

The trend towards automation and digitalization continued from 2021 into 2022, focusing on computerization of moulding processes and robotic servicing. A significant surge in industrial robot sales by 45% in 2022 reflected market maturity and the growing capability of local integrators to implement complex automation solutions in plastics manufacturing. This demand for advanced technology contributed to a market size of USD 14.9 million in 2021. Imports recovered to USD 15.9 million that year before moderating to USD 12.1 million in 2022 as the sector integrated new innovations.

By 2023, the market experienced a notable contraction, with its size falling to USD 8.0 million. Domestic production dropped sharply to just USD 94 thousand, while exports reached a high of USD 4.8 million in 2023 before declining in 2024. Import value showed a partial recovery to USD 18.1 million in 2024, indicating renewed purchasing activity, though overall market volume remained substantially lower than its earlier peak.

Production injection moulding machines in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

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

Exports injection moulding machines from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, unit

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 1.9-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2019, Bulgaria's exports of injection moulding machines reached their minimum at 37.0 units, but then surged by 100.0% to 74.0 units in 2020. The largest decline of 9.8% was recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Bulgaria's exports in kind were the United Kingdom (20.9% of exports), Turkey (20.4% of exports), and Greece (11.7% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 53.1% of total export 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

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of injection moulding machines in value terms stood at 1 664 thousand US dollars, marking a 4.9% decline compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 367 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 36.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 28.0%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 22.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. Turkey (22.9% of exports), Czechia (17.8% of exports), and the Netherlands (7.3% of exports) were the top contributors, jointly accounting for 48.0% 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 injection moulding machines to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, unit

Bulgaria's imports of injection moulding machines declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 173.0 units, reflecting a gradual decline of 7.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 327.0 units, which saw the largest increase of 44.7%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 42.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (25.0% of imports), China (24.2% of imports), and Turkey (14.3% of imports) were the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports of injection moulding machines in kind. Together, these three countries made up 63.5% 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

Bulgaria's imports of injection moulding machines in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 8 755 thousand US dollars, which is 41.7% lower than in 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 23 965 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 63.9% occurring that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 40.1%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 15.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany (31.3% of imports), Austria (20.4% of imports), and China (12.2% of imports) were the principal suppliers of injection moulding machines to Bulgaria in value terms. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 64.0% of total imports.

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

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