Printed labels of paper or paperboard market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for printed labels in Bulgaria declined in volume from 8.1 тыс. т in 2018 to 5.0 тыс. т in 2020, while its value remained relatively stable at around 24-25 млн долл. This drop was driven by challenges to traditional print applications, including constraints on economic activity, and in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced demand for conventional printed products. Concurrently, the industry adapted by increasing the use of digital label presses and showing growing interest in smart labels that monitor temperature changes to enhance food safety.

After 2020, the market recovered, reaching 6.6 тыс. т in 2023 and 7.1 тыс. т in 2024. The value rose to 35.0 млн долл. in 2023 but decreased to 33.2 млн долл. in 2024. This rebound was fueled by investments from major players like the printing house 'Elex Print' in modern digital printing technologies, which improved production flexibility and personalization. Evolving consumer preferences toward more ecological and functional labels, coupled with stricter labeling regulations requiring clearer safety and usage information, stimulated new product development. A drop in paper and cardboard prices at the start of 2024 reduced production costs, supporting volume growth while exerting downward pressure on overall market value.

Production printed labels of paper or paperboard in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of printed paper or paperboard labels, measured in monetary terms, increased after two consecutive years of decline. In 2020, output reached 18 123 thousand US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 8.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 16 777 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 6.5% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of printed paper or paperboard labels, measured in physical terms, declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output totaled 3 665 tonnes, representing a significant year-over-year decrease of 10.9%. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 49.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 20.4%.

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

Exports printed labels of paper or paperboard from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels, measured in physical terms, declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 404 tonnes, which is 1.2% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 43.2%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels, in physical terms, were widely distributed across partner countries. Romania accounted for 25.7% of exports, Greece for 12.0%, and Germany for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.7% 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

Bulgaria's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels, measured in monetary terms, increased after two years of decline. In 2020, exports totaled 6 324 thousand US dollars, showing a year-over-year rise of 4.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 8.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 030 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 8.5% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Greece, and Poland consistently held leading positions in Bulgaria's export structure for printed paper or paperboard labels, in value terms. Romania accounted for 32.7% of exports, Greece for 12.0%, and Poland for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 55.5% 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 printed labels of paper or paperboard to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of printed paper or paperboard labels, measured in physical terms, declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 732 tonnes, remaining stable compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 64.2%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 18.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 736 tonnes, with the largest increase of 45.9% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria imported printed paper or paperboard labels from many countries. Even the largest sources—the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy—together accounted for only 44.5% of total imports in physical terms.

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 printed paper or paperboard labels, measured in monetary terms, declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports totaled 12 574 thousand US dollars, marking a strong year-over-year decrease of 11.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 123 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 21.3% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's import structure for printed paper or paperboard labels, in value terms, remained highly diversified. Italy accounted for 17.4% of imports, Turkey for 15.7%, and Germany for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 46.5% of total import flows, with the remaining 53.5% coming from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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