PP in primary forms market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian polypropylene market expanded significantly from 119.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 152.5 thousand tons in 2019, followed by a moderate contraction to 147.9 thousand tons in 2020.

Market volume stabilized at 144.8 thousand tons in 2023, supported by steady growth in Bulgaria's automotive sector, which sustained demand for polypropylene components. During this period, the packaging industry saw technological upgrades, such as RB Plast's investment in a new multi-color printing line for polyethylene films in 2021, which also related to polypropylene packaging production.

A strong recovery occurred in 2024, with market volume reaching 166.4 thousand tons. This surge was driven by capacity expansions in polymer packaging, including NOVIZ AD's facility renovation and ISO 22000 certification for food-grade packaging production, alongside continued robust demand from the automotive industry.

Production PP in primary forms in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of PP in primary forms was valued at 89.1 million US dollars, marking an 18.3% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 109.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 21.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 97.6 thousand tonnes of PP in primary forms, a 5.4% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 73.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 16.8% that year. The peak was in 2019 at 103.2 thousand tonnes, which experienced the biggest increase of 40.4%.

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

Exports PP in primary forms from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 77.3 thousand tonnes of PP in primary forms, down 3.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 11%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 55.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop of 19.8% that year. The highest was in 2019 at 80.0 thousand tonnes, which saw the biggest surge of 43.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Italy were the top destinations for Bulgaria's exports of PP in primary forms by volume. Turkey accounted for 60.4% of exports, Serbia for 12.4%, and Italy for 5.4%, together making up 78.2% 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, M $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of PP in primary forms totaled 70.0 million US dollars, a 16.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 7%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 67.7 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 84.2 million US dollars, which recorded the largest increase of 24.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Italy were the key partners for Bulgaria's exports of PP in primary forms by value. Turkey represented 60.1% of exports, Serbia 13.2%, and Italy 5.7%, collectively accounting for 79.1% of total 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 PP in primary forms to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of PP in primary forms by volume declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 127.6 thousand tonnes, a slight decrease of 1.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 54.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.5%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 129.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 27.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Egypt, and Romania were the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports of PP in primary forms by volume. Greece contributed 35.2% of imports, Egypt 16.8%, and Romania 11.7%, together representing 63.7% 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, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of PP in primary forms by value dropped. In 2020, imports totaled 151.6 million US dollars, a significant decrease of 14.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 45.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.2%. The peak value was in 2019 at 177.7 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 46.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Romania, and Egypt were the top destinations for Bulgaria's imports of PP in primary forms by value. Greece accounted for 32.5% of imports, Romania for 14.8%, and Egypt for 14.2%, with a combined share of 61.5% of total import value.

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

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