Maize flour and cereals market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for maize flour and cereals in Bulgaria contracted significantly from 724 thousand tons in 2018 to 367 thousand tons in 2020.

A turnaround began in 2021, with market volume rising to 441 thousand tons, coinciding with increased sectoral production and the introduction of regulatory updates under the Food Law which governed flour and grain product trade. Growth accelerated sharply in 2022, with the market reaching 691 thousand tons, supported by continued production and price increases for grain products, backed by state policies and sectoral regulations.

In 2023, the market volume decreased to 604 thousand tons. During this period, market factors included weaker wheat harvests in other countries affecting the regional balance and a noted increase in domestic grain stocks. By 2024, a trend of decreasing flour prices and stable domestic consumption for grain crops was observed, alongside sustained development of the market for farm products and biodegradable packaging.

Production maize flour and cereals in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's maize flour and cereals production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 370.5 thousand tons, which represents a 19.5% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 49.9%, translating to an average annual decline of 20.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of maize flour and cereals production in Bulgaria has also declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 114.8 million US dollars, marking a 16.4% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 51.2%, with an average annual rate of decline of 21.3%.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of maize flour and cereals from Bulgaria showed an unstable trend over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports stood at 4 555 tons, showing no significant change from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 557 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 85.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania was the dominant partner for Bulgaria's maize flour and cereals exports in volume terms, accounting for 74.0% of total flows. Other markets played comparatively smaller roles during this period.

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

The value of Bulgaria's maize flour and cereals exports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 411 thousand US dollars, up 3.8% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 93.6%, representing an average annual growth rate of 24.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Romania remained the leading partner for Bulgaria's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms, holding a 71.8% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively modest amounts.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of maize flour and cereals in volume terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 319 tons, an 18.5% increase compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 094 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 17.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest suppliers of maize flour and cereals to Bulgaria in volume terms were Greece (41.2% of imports), Romania (19.6%), and Serbia (13.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 74.0% of total imports.

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

The value of Bulgaria's maize flour and cereals imports has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 921 thousand US dollars, a 29.6% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 27%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 637 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top suppliers of maize flour and cereals to Bulgaria in value terms were Greece (30.6% of imports), Romania (15.7%), and the United Kingdom (10.7%). Collectively, these three countries represented 57.0% of total import value.

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

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