Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for non-rendered pig fat in Bulgaria showed notable fluctuations. The market volume grew to 16 647 t in 2019, supported by a prior 10% increase in domestic pig meat output the year before. A significant contraction followed in 2020, with the market falling to 13 876 t, directly linked to a reported 15.4% decline in domestic red meat production, which includes the primary source material. The market stabilized in 2021 at 13 903 t.

The period from 2022 onward was shaped by external shocks and regulatory shifts. In 2022, a reduced pig herd due to soaring costs from the war in Ukraine constrained supply. This pressure continued into 2023, when pig slaughter volumes fell a further 4.2%, maintaining a domestic shortage and elevating prices. A turning point came in 2024, marked by a recovery in pig meat production of around 5 000 t. This was aided by the European Commission easing trade restrictions for Bulgarian industrial pig complexes, facilitating greater import flows, alongside new farm investments like the facility built by 'Boni Holding'.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 641 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.7% gain from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 37.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 406 tonnes, showing a robust year-over-year increase of 11.0%. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 42.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 176 tonnes, representing a steep 34.8% rise from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 115 tonnes, with the largest drop of 45.8% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece accounted for 76.4% of Bulgaria's total exports in kind, while the remaining flows were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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 export market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 103 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 227 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 2.2-fold gap. In 2020, export volume stood at 227 thousand US dollars, which is 19.2% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 50.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 85.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece concentrated 72.4% of Bulgaria's total exports in value terms for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, with the residual flows scattered across multiple smaller partners.

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

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

Imports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat amounted to 11 646 tonnes, corresponding to a 20.3% year-over-year reduction. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 610 tonnes, with the largest increase of 12.5% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (28.2% of imports in kind), France (14.7%), and Spain (12.9%) led the ranking of suppliers to Bulgaria, with their combined share reaching 55.7% of total imports in kind.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in import performance during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 369 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 15 294 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.8-fold change. In 2020, imports reached 10 262 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 32.9% decline year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 82.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (27.4% of imports in value terms), France (13.7%), and Spain (12.6%) together accounted for 53.6% of Bulgaria's total imports in value terms for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, making them the main sources.

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

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