Lifts and skip hoists market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Bulgarian lifts and skip hoists market was shaped by active efforts from the National Branch Union to improve the sector's regulatory framework, alongside the enforcement of stricter technical controls for hydraulic lifts. These initiatives laid a foundation for market development. Production adapted to meet custom orders for hotels and retail by 2019, with new players entering the market offering full design and installation services. After a contraction in market volume that year, growth resumed in 2020 as manufacturers introduced space-efficient solutions like car stackers and automated parking systems, expanding the product range to address urban space optimization needs.

Market expansion continued through the early 2020s, supported by ongoing regulatory refinement and a significant 2022 ban on using second-hand parts for elevators, which affected approximately 80,000 installations. This regulatory shift directly stimulated demand for new components and likely encouraged the modernization of existing equipment, contributing to a steady increase in market volume. The industry's focus on higher safety standards and quality maintenance services further reinforced this upward trajectory.

The market gained additional momentum from 2023 onwards, driven by infrastructure projects and the expansion of companies like DOKA Bulgaria, which supplied high-load capacity formwork systems. Concurrently, new mandatory safety requirements introduced in 2024, such as the need for protective shields on older lifts and tighter controls on licensed maintenance personnel, compelled widespread equipment upgrades and replacements. These factors culminated in the market reaching 2,604 units valued at 46.4 million USD in 2024, marking sustained growth fueled by regulatory changes and product innovation.

Production lifts and skip hoists in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Bulgaria, the production value of lifts and skip hoists reached 15 201 thousand US dollars in 2020, showing a significant increase of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 476 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 16 165 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 16.6%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 13.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 1 256 units of lifts and skip hoists, marking a modest increase of 4.8% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.8%. The minimum production was in 2019 at 1 199 units, and the maximum was in 2018 at 1 955 units. The largest decline took place in 2019, falling by 38.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 43.1%.

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

Exports lifts and skip hoists from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, unit

Bulgaria's exports of lifts and skip hoists stood at 169 units in 2020, reflecting a slight gain of 3.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 29.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 10.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 164 units, and the highest was in 2018 at 257 units. The largest drop occurred in 2019, decreasing by 36.2%, whereas the largest rise was in 2018, increasing by 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Ukraine, Russia, and Romania—collectively accounted for 65.1% of Bulgaria's total exports of lifts and skip hoists in volume terms.

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 lifts and skip hoists in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 719 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate decrease of 4.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 45.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -18.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Ukraine, Russia, and Romania emerged as the primary markets for Bulgaria's exports in value terms, with shares of 31.5%, 28.7%, and 5.2%, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 65.3% 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 lifts and skip hoists to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, unit

Bulgaria's imports of lifts and skip hoists in volume terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 1 143 units, constituting a rise of 19.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 114%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and Slovakia consistently served as the main sources for Bulgaria's imports in volume terms, with shares of 32.6%, 15.6%, and 15.2%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 63.4% 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 lifts and skip hoists in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 21 167 thousand US dollars, which is 20.1% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 84.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 22.6%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Spain, Italy, and Slovakia accounted for the largest share of Bulgaria's imports in value terms, with percentages of 32.5%, 15.5%, and 15.3%, respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 63.3% 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