Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates in Bulgaria expanded consistently between 2018 and 2023, with volume rising from 10.8 thousand tons to 13.7 thousand tons. This growth was primarily supported by a series of regulatory actions targeting single-use plastics, which increased demand for reusable packaging solutions.

Key legislative measures included the 2021 ordinance introducing product fees and restrictions on certain plastic items, followed by mandatory pricing for single-use plastic cups and boxes starting in 2022. These rules were reinforced in 2023 by the transposition of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, which banned specific disposable items and obliged retailers to offer alternatives. Earlier, a 2019 draft amendment to the Road Transport Act had also improved logistics conditions for plastic goods transportation.

Market volume continued to climb through the period, with a notable surge in 2022 when consumption reached 13.1 thousand tons. The regulatory push toward sustainable packaging sustained demand for durable plastic containers used in conveyance and packing of goods.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of plastic boxes, cases and crates has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 28 848 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.0% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 26.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 25 493 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 34.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Plastic boxes, cases and crates production in Bulgaria has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 12 523 tonnes, down 2.8% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 33.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's export volume of plastic boxes, cases and crates has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 13 915 tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 192 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 2.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Romania formed the core of Bulgaria's exports in kind. Turkey accounted for 28.8% of exports, Serbia for 17.2%, and Romania for 14.4%. Together, these three countries represented 60.4% of total export 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

Bulgaria's exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 33 372 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 3.9% year-on-year gain. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports in value terms relied on a diverse range of partner countries. Serbia accounted for 17.8% of exports, Greece for 16.0%, and Romania for 15.7%. Together, these three countries represented 49.6% of total export 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 boxes, cases and crates to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 12 976 tonnes, reflecting a modest 5.7% gain from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 108 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 18.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Turkey, Serbia, and Greece—together absorbed 61.7% of Bulgaria's total imports in kind of plastic boxes, cases and crates.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates amounted to 32 957 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 9.8% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 25.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 984 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 25.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Greece, and Serbia led the structure of Bulgaria's imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 29.0% of imports, Greece for 13.7%, and Serbia for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 52.6% of total import flows.

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

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