Intermodal containers specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for intermodal containers in Bulgaria expanded from USD 5.4 million in 2018 to USD 11.7 million in 2021. This growth was supported by the commissioning of a new container park in 2018, which increased handling capacity. In 2021, the European Commission's proposal to revise the TEN-T regulation, aimed at boosting intermodal transport, alongside the announcement of a major new intermodal terminal in Ruse with investments exceeding BGN 900 million, provided further momentum for market development.

Market growth continued, reaching USD 12.9 million in 2022. This increase occurred despite a reported global slump in container production and falling freight rates, as the Bulgarian market was bolstered by the strong performance of established carriers like 'Bulcon,' which reported a turnover of around BGN 100 million, and by concrete plans to build three new intermodal terminals by 2027. The market then stabilized near USD 12.7 million in 2023.

In 2024, the market size contracted to USD 11.3 million.

Production intermodal freight containers in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of intermodal containers, specially designed for transport by multiple modes, has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 6 817 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.5% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 102.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Production volume hit its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 3 052 units of intermodal containers, a 9.4% decrease from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 369 units, while the largest annual increase occurred that same year, reaching 126.9%.

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

Exports intermodal freight containers from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, unit

Bulgaria's exports of intermodal containers have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 578 units, representing a significant 12.7% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 59.7%, translating to an annualized rate of 16.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in terms of volume was dominated by Germany and Greece, which together accounted for 81.5% of total flows, with other markets contributing smaller shares.

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

Bulgaria's export value of intermodal containers has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 182 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 9.6% rise from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 49.1%, with an average annual decrease of 20.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 052 thousand US dollars, and the largest annual drop occurred that year, at 54.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Kenya, and Serbia consistently led Bulgaria's export structure in value terms, with shares of 27.0%, 26.1%, and 8.8%, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 61.9% 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 intermodal freight containers to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, unit

Import volumes experienced significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, while volumes peaked in 2020, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 1 576 units of intermodal containers, a sharp 71.3% increase from the previous year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 20.8%, and the biggest rise was in 2018, reaching 125.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Turkey, and Romania were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports of intermodal containers in volume terms, with shares of 18.3%, 17.3%, and 15.3%, respectively. Together, they made up 50.8% 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 import value of intermodal containers has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 4 544 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 80.8% year-over-year uptick. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 127.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 31.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Bulgaria's import structure in value terms. China, Germany, and Russia were the top sources, with shares of 20.7%, 15.4%, and 13.1%, respectively, but together they accounted for only 49.3% of total imports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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