Portland cement market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Portland cement market in Bulgaria grew from 2.3 million tons to 2.5 million tons. This expansion was supported by the introduction of new product segments like limestone Portland cement and slag-alkaline cement, which offered improved durability. Consumer preferences also began shifting toward more specialized and sustainable cement types, while established producer Heidelberg Materials Devnya maintained a stable supply of various grades.

The market stabilized at around 2.5 million tons in 2020 amid temporary disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. A modest increase followed in 2021, partly aided by the launch of white Portland cement for decorative applications. After a moderate decline in 2022, the market regained momentum, climbing to 2.7 million tons in 2023 and reaching 2.9 million tons by 2024.

Across the entire period, a consistent industry focus on specialized cements with enhanced properties—such as sulfate resistance and rapid hardening—responded to growing demand for durability and adherence to the BDS EN 197-1 quality standard.

Production portland cement in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Portland cement production in Bulgaria declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 158.9 million US dollars, but then fell by 5.7% in 2020 to 149.8 million US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 10.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, at 14.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Bulgaria's portland cement production volume declined after two years of increases. In 2019, output peaked at 2 371 thousand tonnes, but then dropped by 8.3% in 2020 to 2 175 thousand tonnes. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, at 7.4%.

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

Exports portland cement from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K t

Portland cement exports from Bulgaria grew for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 224.6 thousand tonnes, with a significant decline of 32.5% that year. However, by 2020, exports had rebounded to 295.7 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 28.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of portland cement from Bulgaria were Romania, accounting for 41.5% of exports in kind, North Macedonia at 33.6%, and the United States at 14.1%. Together, these three countries made up 89.2% of Bulgaria's total portland cement exports by volume.

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

Foreign portland cement supplies from Bulgaria increased for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached their minimum at 16 070 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 17.7% that year. By 2020, exports had risen to 20 447 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial gain of 25.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 4.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 1.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Romania remained the top buyer of portland cement from Bulgaria in value terms, with a 42.2% share of exports, followed by North Macedonia at 36.9%, and the United States at 8.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 87.4% of Bulgaria's total portland cement export value.

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

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

Imports portland cement to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K t

Bulgaria's portland cement imports rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 642.3 thousand tonnes, up by 64.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 98.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the dominant supplier of portland cement to Bulgaria, accounting for 89.5% of total imports in kind, while other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

Cross-border shipments of portland cement to Bulgaria increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 34 034 thousand US dollars, corresponding to an uptick of 51.1% from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 82.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.3%.

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

Over 2017-2020, imports of portland cement to Bulgaria in value terms were almost entirely tied to Turkey, which accounted for 90.1% of total flows.

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

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