Knitted gloves and mittens market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for knitted gloves and mittens in Bulgaria experienced a period of contraction followed by strong growth between 2018 and 2023. Volume fell from 19 397 thousand pairs in 2018 to a low of 16 514 thousand pairs in 2020, representing a cumulative decline of nearly 15%. This downward trend then reversed, with the market expanding steadily over the next three years.

The recovery began in 2021, when volume increased by 9.7% to 18 113 thousand pairs. Growth continued at a moderate pace of 1.7% in 2022, reaching 18 422 thousand pairs, before accelerating sharply in 2023 with a 14.3% jump to 21 058 thousand pairs. The market value followed a similar pattern, rising from $5.6 million in 2020 to $8.6 million in 2022, indicating an increase in average value per pair.

Throughout this period, the market offered a wide variety of products, adapting to consumer demand for warmth, comfort, and style. Available factors highlight a diverse range of colors and materials like acrylic, wool, and polyester in earlier years, with a later shift towards premium materials such as alpaca and cashmere in women's models, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for luxury winter accessories.

Production knitted gloves and mittens in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Bulgaria's knitted gloves and mittens production has rebounded. In 2020, output reached 304.9 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 24.9% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 55%, which translates to an average annual decline of 23.4%. The lowest point was in 2019, with production valued at 244.1 thousand US dollars, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 at 54.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Following a two-year downturn, Bulgaria's production of knitted gloves and mittens has shown recovery. In 2020, the country produced 536.8 thousand units, representing a notable 25.7% rise from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 22.8%, averaging an 8.2% annual decline. The minimum output was recorded in 2019 at 426.9 thousand units, with the largest single-year decrease also occurring that year at 28.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Exports knitted gloves and mittens from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K 2u

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 426 thousand units of knitted gloves and mittens, reflecting a 24.4% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 62.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.8%. The most significant decline was in 2018 at 56.6%, while 2019 saw an increase of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia were the top buyers of Bulgarian knitted gloves and mittens in terms of volume. Greece accounted for 29.4% of exports, Romania for 27.8%, and North Macedonia for 15.7%. Together, these three countries represented 72.9% 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

Bulgaria's exports of knitted gloves and mittens have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 359 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 24.7% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 59.5%, averaging a 26.0% annual decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Romania were the leading destinations for Bulgarian knitted gloves and mittens in value terms. Greece held a 23.3% share of exports, the United Kingdom 15.8%, and Romania 12.2%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 51.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports knitted gloves and mittens to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K 2u

Bulgaria's imports of knitted gloves and mittens have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 16 404 thousand units, down 13.2% from the previous year. The peak was in 2018 at 19 294 thousand units, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Between 2017 and 2020, China dominated Bulgaria's imports of knitted gloves and mittens in volume, accounting for 77.4% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail in the import structure.

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 imported approximately 5 628 thousand US dollars worth of knitted gloves and mittens, a 9.6% decrease from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 15.8%, averaging a 5.0% annual growth rate. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 226 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China, Czechia, and Belgium were the key sources for Bulgaria's imports of knitted gloves and mittens in value terms. Together, these three markets accounted for 71.2% 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