Odoriferous substances for non food industries market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for odoriferous substances for non-food industries in Bulgaria expanded significantly from 1,938 t in 2018 to 3,063 t in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by rising imports, which more than compensated for a sharp contraction in domestic production. The decline in local output can be linked to persistent challenges noted in the industrial base, including a lack of funds for investment and modernization, as well as high indebtedness among manufacturers, factors that were already pressuring the sector in 2018.

The acceleration in import volumes after 2020 was influenced by global supply conditions. Lockdowns in key raw material producing countries such as China, India, and Vietnam disrupted supply chains, affecting availability and likely stimulating import activity to meet demand. Concurrently, a reported increase in consumer willingness to pay premium prices for novel and ethnic scents in 2023 supported market value growth, encouraging a flow of higher-value imported odoriferous mixtures into the country.

Regulatory and infrastructural developments aimed at the broader sector emerged in 2024, including proposals to revise EU market standards and plans to build modern scientific infrastructure for the effective utilization of national medicinal and aromatic plant resources. While these measures focus on long-term sector development, the market in the reviewed period remained predominantly import-dependent.

Production odoriferous substances for non food industries in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2018, Bulgaria's output of odoriferous substances for non-food industries was valued at 2,029 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate year-on-year decrease of 8.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2018, Bulgaria produced 105.4 tonnes of odoriferous substances for non-food industries, down 31.2% from the previous year.

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

Exports odoriferous substances for non food industries from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of odoriferous substances for non-food industries increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 265 tonnes, up 103.6% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 270.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 54.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure of exports in kind remained fragmented. Romania accounted for 22.6% of exports in kind, Uzbekistan for 13.8%, and Greece for 12.4%, with these three countries together representing only 48.8% of total flows, and no single country held a dominant share.

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 odoriferous substances for non-food industries increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5,531 thousand US dollars, a sharp rise of 127.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 407.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 71.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Romania, and Greece formed the key group of partners for Bulgaria's exports of odoriferous substances for non-food industries in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 21.4% of exports in value, Romania for 17.1%, and Greece for 12.6%, jointly representing 51.1% of total 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 odoriferous substances for non food industries to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's import volume of odoriferous substances for non-food industries increased. In 2020, the country imported 2,468 tonnes, up 39.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,772 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 15.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany led the structure of imports in kind. France accounted for 30.3% of imports in kind, the Netherlands for 13.7%, and Germany for 11.7%, together representing 55.7% of total 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 odoriferous substances for non-food industries increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 38,755 thousand US dollars, a sharp rise of 48.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 73.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 20.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the Netherlands continued to head the list of suppliers of odoriferous substances for non-food industries to Bulgaria in value terms. France accounted for 30.9% of imports in value, Germany for 17.6%, and the Netherlands for 14.7%, jointly taking 63.2% of total imports in value.

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

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