Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in Bulgaria, measured by volume, expanded from 8 988 t to 9 833 t in 2019 before stabilizing at 9 766 t in 2020. This growth occurred alongside a steady increase in imports, which rose from 8 467 t to 9 207 t, while domestic production saw a significant contraction, falling from 14 349 t to 9 400 t over the same period. The value of the market remained relatively stable, ending the period at 26 612 thousand USD.

Starting in 2021, new environmental regulations began to reshape the market. An ordinance was adopted to gradually increase the price of certain plastic products, such as cups and food containers, until 2027, and to ban specific single-use plastic items like cutlery, plates, and stirrers. This regulatory shift coincided with a steady rise in import volumes, which grew from 9 069 t in 2021 to 9 760 t in 2023, suggesting a possible adaptation to new market conditions. Concurrently, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened hygiene requirements in the food service industry, bolstering demand for professional kitchen equipment and articles with sanitary features.

By 2024, the regulatory measures intensified with the enforcement of higher prices for plastic cups and food boxes from January 1st, aimed at covering pollution clean-up costs. Manufacturers and traders were also required to finance separate waste collection systems in public spaces. This continued push for environmental compliance was reflected in the market's trajectory, with import volume reaching 10 858 t in 2024. The market's adaptation was further evidenced by a growing supply of biodegradable alternatives and a decline in export volume to 6 051 t in 2024, indicating a focus on meeting domestic regulatory standards and shifting consumer preferences.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 29 838 thousand US dollars, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 15.8%. Production peaked in 2018 at 40 406 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.1%, translating to an average annual decline of 7.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 9 400 tonnes, representing a 21.8% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 41.2%, which corresponds to an average annual reduction of 16.2%.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 8 442 tonnes, reflecting a 25.9% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 41.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. Greece accounted for 20.0% of exports in volume, Romania for 12.9%, and Italy for 12.7%. Together, these three countries made up only 45.7% 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, kitchenware, and household articles have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 32 808 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp reduction of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Exports reached their highest value in 2018 at 44 091 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.3%. In 2019, exports experienced the largest decline of 14.6%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's export market for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was quite diversified. Greece contributed 15.1% of export value, Germany 14.4%, and Romania 13.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 42.9% of total export value, with many other nations holding smaller but still notable shares.

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, kitchenware and household articles to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined in volume. In 2020, imports reached 8 808 tonnes, down 4.3% from 2019. Imports peaked in 2019 at 9 207 tonnes, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 9.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 14%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the leading source for Bulgaria's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in volume, accounting for 35.3% of imports. Romania followed with 10.9%, and China with 9.8%. Together, these three countries represented 55.9% 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

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles amounted to 29 582 thousand US dollars, up 0.6% year-on-year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 30 803 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.4%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 4.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 9.9%, corresponding to an average annual increase of 3.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Romania, and Germany were significant but not dominant suppliers of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles to Bulgaria in value terms. Turkey accounted for 26.3% of import value, Romania for 11.2%, and Germany for 10.3%. Their combined share reached 47.8% of total imports, indicating a relatively broad supplier base.

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

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