Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Bulgarian plastic tableware and kitchenware market contracted, with production falling from 12.1 thousand tons to 6.8 thousand tons and overall market volume declining from 4.8 thousand tons to 4.0 thousand tons. The sharp reduction in 2020 was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread restaurant closures and a reported 30% drop in the use of plastic cutlery within the hospitality sector, outweighing any temporary boost from increased food delivery services.

From 2021 onward, European Union regulations restricting single-use plastic products, including cutlery, took effect, accompanied by Bulgarian national measures requiring retailers to offer alternatives and imposing fees on plastic food containers and cups. These regulatory pressures contributed to a sustained decline in export volumes, which fell from 6.0 thousand tons in 2021 to 3.7 thousand tons in 2024, while import levels fluctuated below pre-pandemic figures. Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted towards safer, non-toxic, and more sustainable kitchenware alternatives.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of plastic tableware and kitchenware has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 19 671 thousand US dollars, representing a 27.9% decrease from the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 32 381 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 6.5% recorded that same year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 13.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of plastic tableware and kitchenware has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 6 843 tonnes, marking a sharp 30.3% drop compared to 2019. Production reached its highest level in 2018 at 12 103 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 1.5% occurring that year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 42.6%, averaging an annual decline of 16.9%.

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

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of plastic tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second year running. In 2020, the country exported 6 340 tonnes, which is 31.6% lower than in 2019. Exports peaked in 2018 at 11 396 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 5.7% recorded that year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 41.2%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's exports of plastic tableware and kitchenware were relatively diversified. Italy accounted for 14.5% of exports, Greece for 12.6%, and Romania for 12.5%. Together, these three countries represented 39.6% 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 tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 23 965 thousand US dollars, down 20.7% from the previous year. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 36 713 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 24.3% occurring that year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 18.9%, averaging an annual decline of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's export destinations in value terms were quite dispersed. Germany accounted for 14.1% of exports, Romania for 12.6%, and Italy for 12.4%. Combined, these three countries made up just 39.2% of total export flows, with the remaining 60.8% spread across a wide range of other markets.

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 tableware and kitchenware to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 3 475 tonnes, showing little change from 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 4 133 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 16.8% recorded that year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the leading source of Bulgaria's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware, accounting for 40.3% of import volume. Germany followed with 11.6%, and Romania with 10.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 62.8% of total import 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 tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value came to 12 726 thousand US dollars, down slightly by 1.5% from 2019. Imports reached their highest value in 2018 at 15 066 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 23.7% recorded that year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 14.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Romania, and Germany were the top three sources for Bulgaria's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware in value terms. Together, they accounted for 53.2% 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