Plumbing fixtures of plastics market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for plastic plumbing fixtures in Bulgaria expanded considerably, with its value rising from USD 10.8 million to USD 19.3 million. This growth coincided with the implementation of EU and national regulations aimed at reducing single-use plastics, including the 2019 EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and Bulgaria's ordinance on separate collection of plastic bottles. While domestic production saw a slight decline, the market was driven by a sharp increase in imports, which more than offset the lower local output. The regulatory push, which included a postponed ban on certain single-use items in 2021, likely encouraged a shift in demand toward more durable plastic products such as plumbing fixtures.

From 2022 onward, further regulatory measures took effect, including mandatory marking requirements for single-use plastic products and the introduction of an extended producer responsibility scheme under the 'polluter pays' principle. These rules increased compliance costs but also stimulated investment in recycling infrastructure. Notably, retail chains Lidl and Kaufland launched automated collection stations for PET bottles and cans, boosting the supply of recycled material that could be used in manufacturing. Imports remained high in 2022, dipped in 2023, and rose again in 2024, reflecting ongoing market adjustments to the evolving regulatory landscape and the expansion of product fees to additional plastic categories.

Overall, the Bulgarian market for plastic plumbing fixtures demonstrated sustained growth through 2024, supported by the broader European transition toward a circular economy. Initiatives to increase plastic recycling and reduce single-use waste created both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers, with imported products continuing to play a significant role in meeting domestic demand.

Production plumbing fixtures of plastics in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Bulgaria, the output of plastic plumbing fixtures was valued at 16 135 thousand US dollars in 2019, marking an 8.0% decline from 2018. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 536 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.7%.

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

Exports plumbing fixtures of plastics from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of plastic plumbing fixtures declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 1 586 tonnes, showing a sharp year-over-year drop of 49.9%. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 56.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 24.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Spain, and Romania were the main destinations for Bulgaria's plastic plumbing fixtures exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 26.3% of exports, Spain for 15.1%, and Romania for 13.3%, together making up 54.7% 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

Bulgaria's exports of plastic plumbing fixtures in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 10 458 thousand US dollars, a 39.3% contraction compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 41.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.3%. The peak value was in 2018 at 20 119 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.7%.

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

In value terms, Bulgaria's exports of plastic plumbing fixtures from 2017 to 2020 were spread across many countries. Italy, Spain, and Romania were the top destinations, with Italy at 21.4%, Spain at 15.5%, and Romania at 11.8% of total exports, together accounting for 48.8%. The remaining 51.2% went to 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 plumbing fixtures of plastics to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of plastic plumbing fixtures in volume terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 259 tonnes, a 2.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports dropped by 11.6%, with a compound annual decline of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and Turkey were the primary sources for Bulgaria's plastic plumbing fixtures imports in volume terms. China contributed 21.6% of imports, Germany 20.0%, and Turkey 12.2%, together representing 53.8% of total 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 plumbing fixtures in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 12 098 thousand US dollars, a slight 2.5% drop from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The highest value was in 2018 at 13 420 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 21.5%, while 2019 recorded the largest decline of 7.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's imports of plastic plumbing fixtures in value terms came from a diverse set of markets. Germany, China, and Turkey were the leading sources, with Germany at 26.5%, China at 12.2%, and Turkey at 10.0%, together making up 48.7% of total imports. The remaining 51.3% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

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