Plasticised PVC compounds market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for plasticised PVC compounds in Bulgaria showed moderate growth followed by stabilization. The market expanded from 10 293 t in 2018 to 10 766 t in 2019, influenced by the implementation of Waste Ordinance No. 51 which established a framework for managing plastic waste and likely spurred initial adjustments in production and recycling practices. In 2020, the market volume settled at 10 451 t, as additional amendments to the same ordinance that strengthened controls on plastic waste came into effect from March 31.

A significant surge occurred in 2021, with market volume jumping to 13 767 t. This was primarily driven by the transposition of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904) into Bulgarian law from July 3, which restricted certain disposable plastic products and introduced new labeling requirements. This regulatory shift altered market demand and was accompanied by a sharp increase in imports. A subsequent correction followed in 2022, bringing the market down to 12 312 t, coinciding with the introduction of mandatory deposit fees for plastic cups and boxes and separate collection for plastic bottles, measures designed to reduce waste.

The market resumed growth from 2023 onwards, reaching 15 398 t in 2024. This expansion was supported by stricter amendments to Waste Ordinance No.51 from April 2023 and the roll-out of extended producer responsibility by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the introduction of EU-mandated design requirements for beverage container caps from July 2024 and financial support for plastic recycling initiatives bolstered demand for materials, including recycled content in compounds, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Production plasticised PVC compounds in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Bulgaria, the output value of plasticised PVC compounds reached 9 655 K $ US in 2020, marking a 6.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 10 594 K $ US, while the minimum occurred in 2019 at 9 099 K $ US. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 14.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 7 845 tonnes of plasticised PVC compounds, representing a 9.3% increase compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.5%, which translates to an annualised rate of 1.5%. The minimum production level was recorded in 2019 at 7 177 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred that same year with a 7.8% decrease.

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

Exports plasticised PVC compounds from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of plasticised PVC compounds totalled 2 484 tonnes, up by 12.0% from 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 036 tonnes, while the minimum was in 2019 at 2 218 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 23.8% rise, and the largest decline was in 2019 with a 27.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Romania, and Turkey emerged as the primary markets for Bulgaria's exports of plasticised PVC compounds in kind. Italy accounted for 29.8% of exports, Romania for 24.6%, and Turkey for 20.4%, collectively representing 74.8% 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

In 2020, Bulgaria's export value of plasticised PVC compounds amounted to 3 659 K $ US, showing a solid increase of 16.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 4 578 K $ US, while the minimum was in 2019 at 3 149 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 18.5% rise, and the largest decline was in 2019 with a 31.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Turkey, and Romania consistently remained the main destinations for Bulgaria's exports of plasticised PVC compounds in value terms. Italy accounted for 25.6% of exports, Turkey for 24.6%, and Romania for 17.0%, together making up 67.2% 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 plasticised PVC compounds to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Bulgaria's imports of plasticised PVC compounds in kind declined. In 2020, imports stood at 5 089 tonnes, which is 12.3% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.8%, equating to an annualised rate of 3.2%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 806 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 19.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, North Macedonia, and Romania were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Bulgaria's imports of plasticised PVC compounds in kind. Turkey accounted for 26.4% of imports, North Macedonia for 25.9%, and Romania for 24.2%, with a combined share of 76.6% 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 plasticised PVC compounds in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totalled 6 616 K $ US, marking a notable reduction of 13.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 12.8%, equating to an annualised rate of 4.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 782 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred that year with a 32.6% rise.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and North Macedonia together absorbed 68.2% of Bulgaria's total import value of plasticised PVC compounds, making them the main directions. Romania accounted for 26.4% of imports in value terms, Turkey for 21.7%, and North Macedonia for 20.1%.

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

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