Leather articles market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian leather articles market grew from $10.3 million in 2019 to $12.2 million in 2023, even as imports and exports contracted sharply. Early in the period, reduced leather exports and competitive pressure from imports narrowed foreign trade, while domestic demand was bolstered by a shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the adoption of online sales, helping to sustain consumption.

In the following years, European regulations such as REACH influenced production standards, and the regional opening of new manufacturing facilities, including Prada’s plant in neighboring Romania, supported supply chain development. These elements, alongside continued digitalization, contributed to a notable rise in domestic production, which more than doubled from $0.7 million in 2020 to $1.8 million in 2023. The sector nevertheless grappled with persistent challenges like a shortage of skilled labor and reliance on imported materials.

Production leather articles in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's leather articles output was valued at 744.2 K $ US, marking a notable 21.0% increase compared to the previous year.

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

Exports leather articles from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during the observed period. Import levels reached their lowest point in 2019 at 35 t, then peaked in 2018 at 109 t, representing a 3.1-fold difference. In 2020, foreign leather articles supplies from Bulgaria stood at 39 t, which is 9.6% higher year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 67.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 48.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Serbia, and Morocco were the key partners for Bulgaria's exports in kind. Italy accounted for 46.5% of exports, Serbia for 17.6%, and Morocco for 12.1%, together representing 76.2% 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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 356 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 7 419 K $ US, a 3.1-fold variation. In 2020, Bulgaria's leather articles exports amounted to 2 488 K $ US, indicating a moderate 5.6% uptick compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 68.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 58.6%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Italy, Serbia, and Morocco were the main destinations for Bulgaria's leather articles exports in value terms. Italy absorbed 48.0% of exports, Serbia 29.8%, and Morocco 6.0%, together accounting for 83.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports leather articles to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 403 t, then reached their maximum in 2018 at 1 235 t, showing a 3.1-fold amplitude. In 2020, leather articles shipments to Bulgaria from abroad reached 838 t, amounting to a 107.9% year-over-year gain. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 67.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland was the dominant supplier of leather articles to Bulgaria, accounting for 71.1% of total imports in kind, with other countries sharing the remaining volume.

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, leather articles deliveries to Bulgaria amounted to 13 342 K $ US, corresponding to an 11.2% gain compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 994 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 29 635 K $ US. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 54.2%, with a CAGR of 22.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 59.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Hungary, Poland, and Croatia remained the main markets for imports in value terms of leather articles to Bulgaria. Hungary accounted for 34.7% of imports, Poland for 22.6%, and Croatia for 9.8%, jointly taking 67.2% 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