Plastic household articles and hygienic or toilet articles market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic household and hygienic articles in Bulgaria expanded significantly in 2019, with volume reaching 5.8 thousand t, before stabilizing near that level in 2020. This initial growth phase occurred without major reported regulatory shifts specific to the sector.

In 2021, the market volume grew further to 6.3 thousand t. This coincided with the implementation of an EU-wide ban on several types of single-use plastic items in Bulgaria from the summer of that year. While the ban targeted specific products, overall market consumption increased, indicating robust demand in other segments not affected by the prohibition. The period also saw the introduction of new labeling requirements for plastic content and waste disposal methods on products.

A sharp contraction followed in 2022, with market volume dropping to 4.1 thousand t. This decline was primarily driven by a surge in exports, which more than doubled. The market context included ongoing global negotiations for a treaty to reduce plastic waste and increasing consumer preference for products with recycled materials, which may have influenced production and trade flows.

Production plastic household and hygienic articles in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Production of plastic household and hygienic articles in Bulgaria has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 10 168 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp gain of 25.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 37.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After a two-year decline, production of plastic household and hygienic articles in Bulgaria increased. In 2020, 2 557 tonnes were produced, up by 16.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 37.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 195 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, at 44.7%.

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

Exports plastic household and hygienic articles from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of plastic household and hygienic articles from Bulgaria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume amounted to 2 102 tonnes, corresponding to a small drop of 1.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 43.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Germany accounted for the largest share of exports in kind. Greece represented 47.0% of exports, Romania 14.5%, and Germany 7.9%, together comprising 69.4% 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

Exports of plastic household and hygienic articles from Bulgaria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 8 843 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong rise of 19.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 378 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline also in 2018 at 12.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Germany consistently held leading positions in the country structure of exports in value terms. Greece accounted for 32.0% of exports, Romania for 16.6%, and Germany for 15.3%, jointly representing 64.0% 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 household and hygienic articles to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Bulgaria's imports of plastic household and hygienic articles declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 5 332 tonnes, indicating a gradual decline of 6.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 27.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 727 tonnes, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 32.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Romania together accounted for 56.7% of total imports in kind. Turkey represented 31.6% of imports, China 14.3%, and Romania 10.8%, remaining the main sources for these products to Bulgaria.

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

Imports of plastic household and hygienic articles into Bulgaria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 16 856 thousand US dollars, marking a rise of 2.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of plastic household and hygienic articles to Bulgaria relied on a diverse range of partner countries. Turkey accounted for 21.7% of imports, Romania for 11.5%, and Germany for 10.1%, together taking just 43.4% 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