Paper and paperboard packing and office articles market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Bulgarian market for paper and paperboard packing and office articles contracted in volume from 225.1 thousand tons to 213.4 thousand tons, while its value declined from $269.9 million to $253.3 million. This overall reduction occurred alongside the entry of new domestic players, such as Babanovi OOD and ProPack BG, which introduced advanced production capabilities for corrugated and laminated packaging, focusing on customization and just-in-time delivery. Consumer preferences shifted towards higher-quality and more personalized packaging solutions, and the use of recycled paper increased to meet environmental standards. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further altered demand patterns, boosting needs for e-commerce and delivery packaging, though this shift did not reverse the overall decline in market volume.

After 2020, available trade data shows a significant rise in imports, which peaked at 42.9 thousand tons ($93.7 million) in 2022 before moderating. Exports also grew, reaching 28.6 thousand tons ($77.9 million) by 2024. Market developments during this period were shaped by stricter environmental requirements for using recycled materials and enhanced traceability and labeling, particularly for food packaging. The trend towards digitalization and online ordering accelerated, with companies expanding their product ranges to include specialized items like packaging for fast food. These factors supported ongoing activity in trade and adaptation within the sector.

Production paper and paperboard packing and office articles in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2018, Bulgaria's output of paper and paperboard packing and office articles reached its peak at 269.1 million US dollars. The following year, in 2019, production fell by 7.4% to 249.2 million US dollars, marking the lowest value in the period. In 2020, output recovered slightly to 250.7 million US dollars, representing a modest increase of 0.6% compared to 2019. Overall, the largest annual increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 6.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Bulgaria's production volume of paper and paperboard packing and office articles has been declining for two consecutive years. In 2018, output peaked at 216.9 thousand tonnes, with a slight increase of 0.2% that year. However, in 2019, production dropped significantly by 5.4% to 205.3 thousand tonnes. In 2020, output continued to fall, reaching 202.2 thousand tonnes, which is 1.5% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 6.6%, averaging an annual decline of 2.3%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard packing and office articles from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

After increasing for two years, Bulgaria's exports of paper and paperboard packing and office articles declined in 2020. In 2018, exports rose by 2.4%, and in 2019, they reached their highest point at 21 955 tonnes. However, in 2020, exports fell by 6.2% to 20 604 tonnes. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, total exports decreased by 2.1%, with an average annual decline of 0.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, North Macedonia, and Germany were the key partners for Bulgaria's exports of paper and paperboard packing and office articles in volume terms. Greece accounted for 31.2% of exports, North Macedonia for 10.6%, and Germany for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 51.1% of Bulgaria's total export flows in this category.

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 paper and paperboard packing and office articles in value terms have been growing for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 61 061 thousand US dollars, up by 3.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, total exports increased by 20.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports of paper and paperboard packing and office articles in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The top three partners were Greece, with 20.9% of exports, Germany with 14.0%, and France with 7.1%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 42.1% of the total export value.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard packing and office articles to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of paper and paperboard packing and office articles in volume terms declined in 2020. In 2019, imports peaked at 33 641 tonnes, after increasing by 12.9% that year. However, in 2020, imports fell by 5.2% to 31 901 tonnes. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, total imports increased by 14.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and Italy were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports of paper and paperboard packing and office articles in volume terms. Romania contributed 22.4% of imports, Turkey 19.0%, and Italy 13.6%. Together, these three countries made up 55.0% of Bulgaria's total import volume in this category.

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 paper and paperboard packing and office articles in value terms have been rising for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports totalled 63 691 thousand US dollars, showing a slight increase of 1.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, total imports grew by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's imports of paper and paperboard packing and office articles in value terms came from a diverse set of partner countries. The leading sources were Romania, with 17.7% of imports, Turkey with 17.3%, and Italy with 14.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 49.8% of the 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