Plastic bottles and similar articles market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the production value of plastic bottles and similar articles in Bulgaria declined from $151.6 million to $126.8 million, leading to a contraction in the total market size from $135.0 million to $112.5 million. Over the same period, exports grew from $33.5 million to $38.9 million, suggesting a shift in focus towards foreign markets even as domestic activity slowed.

The subsequent period from 2021 to 2024 was marked by a steady rise in imports, reaching $30.5 million, and a strong surge in exports which peaked at $66.6 million in 2023 before moderating to $57.0 million in 2024. This trade performance coincided with the implementation of major EU regulatory frameworks from 2022 onward. Key drivers included the mandatory separate collection for plastic bottles up to 3 liters, the introduction of deposit return systems linked to the European Green Deal, and requirements for permanently attached caps. Bulgarian producers responded by investing in new packaging machinery and technologies for producing recycled PET (rPET) suitable for food contact, aiming to meet binding EU targets for recycled content. These adaptations enhanced product compliance for European markets, supporting export growth until 2023, while the 2024 adjustment may reflect the full impact of extended producer responsibility rules under the 'polluter pays' principle.

Production plastic bottles and similar articles in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Bulgaria's production of plastic bottles and similar articles declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 126.8 million US dollars, down 8.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 151.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 9.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 8.6%.

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

Exports plastic bottles and similar articles from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Bulgaria's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles declined. In 2020, exports totaled 22 947 tonnes, a decrease of 2.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 64.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 23 437 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 32.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Israel were the top destinations for Bulgaria's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in volume terms. Greece accounted for 40.4% of exports, Romania for 22.8%, and Israel for 7.6%, together making up 70.8% of total flows.

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

Following a two-year increase, Bulgaria's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms declined. In 2020, exports reached 38 948 thousand US dollars, a moderate decrease of 4.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 63.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 40 815 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 41.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Romania, and Israel were the main destinations for Bulgaria's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Greece represented 38.7% of exports, Romania 20.0%, and Israel 6.3%, collectively accounting for 65.0% 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 plastic bottles and similar articles to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7 442 tonnes, a significant rise of 23.2% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 21.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 5 720 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and Poland led Bulgaria's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in volume terms. Romania accounted for 23.7% of imports, Turkey for 21.1%, and Poland for 17.3%, together representing 62.1% 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 plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 24 621 thousand US dollars, a dramatic jump of 45.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 55.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Bulgaria's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms were spread across many markets. Poland accounted for 19.9% of imports, Romania for 15.2%, and Turkey for 13.9%, together making up only 49.1% of total flows.

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

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