Polymers of propylene or of other olefins in primary forms market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for propylene and other olefin polymers in Bulgaria increased from 141 thousand tons in 2018 to 178 thousand tons in 2019, supported by growth in the fruit and vegetable sector, which raised demand for polymer packaging, as well as by the expansion of production capacity among packaging manufacturers. In 2020, market volume stabilized at 173 thousand tons despite the introduction of the new Food Law, which altered the regulatory framework for food additives and their packaging.

From 2021 to 2023, the market was influenced by several factors: rising online sales of pharmaceuticals and food supplements boosted the need for polymer packaging, while global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, led to supply chain and price fluctuations. Double-digit growth in the pharmaceutical market in 2023 provided additional momentum for polymer demand.

By 2024, the market reached 190 thousand tons, up 14% from 2023. This growth was underpinned by investments in modernizing production capacity and tightening European safety and traceability regulations, which stimulated upgrades in packaging materials.

Production propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, Bulgaria's output of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms reached its peak value of 109.1 million US dollars, marking a significant 21.2% increase. However, in 2020, production value fell to 89.1 million US dollars, representing an 18.3% decline compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Bulgaria's production of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms reached 103.2 thousand tonnes in 2019, showing a substantial 40.4% increase. In 2020, production decreased moderately to 97.6 thousand tonnes, down 5.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, overall production grew by 32.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

Exports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K t

Bulgaria's exports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms reached their lowest point in 2018 at 56.9 thousand tonnes, representing a 19.3% decline. The following year, exports surged to 80.9 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 42.1% increase. In 2020, exports decreased slightly to 78.3 thousand tonnes, down 3.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, overall exports grew by 10.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Italy remained the top buyers of Bulgaria's polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms by volume. Turkey accounted for 59.6% of exports, Serbia for 12.3%, and Italy for 5.4%. Together, these three countries represented 77.2% of Bulgaria's total exports in kind during this period.

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, M $ US

Bulgaria's export value of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms reached its lowest point in 2018 at 70.1 million US dollars. In 2019, exports increased to 86.7 million US dollars, representing a 23.6% rise. However, in 2020, export value declined to 72.1 million US dollars, down 16.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall export value decreased by 7.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Romania were the largest buyers of Bulgaria's polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms by value. Turkey accounted for 58.2% of export value, Serbia for 12.8%, and Romania for 6.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 77.3% of Bulgaria's total export value during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K t

Bulgaria's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms reached their peak in 2019 at 155.5 thousand tonnes, showing a 25.4% increase. In 2020, imports declined slightly to 153.9 thousand tonnes, down 1.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall imports grew by 47.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Egypt, and the Netherlands were the leading sources of Bulgaria's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms by volume. Greece accounted for 32.2% of imports, Egypt for 13.7%, and the Netherlands for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 57.8% of Bulgaria's total imports in kind during this period.

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, M $ US

Bulgaria's import value of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms increased by 39.2% in 2018. The value peaked in 2019 at 216.4 million US dollars. In 2020, import value declined to 186.7 million US dollars, representing a 13.7% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall import value grew by 37.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Egypt were the main sources of Bulgaria's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms by value. Greece accounted for 29.3% of import value, Romania for 12.2%, and Egypt for 11.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 53.0% of Bulgaria's total import value during this period.

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

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