Props for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The introduction of Ordinance No. RD-02-20-2 in 2018, mandating compliance of construction products with EU harmonized standards, coupled with the market emergence of telescopic props and frame facade scaffolding, set the stage for market expansion. This drove production up to 77 400 t and market volume to 84 337 t in 2019. However, the publication of Ordinance No. RD-02-20-3 in December 2020 imposed strict technical requirements for scaffolding design, assembly, and inspection, leading to a market adjustment that reduced production to 67 191 t and market volume to 72 404 t in that year.

In the following years, the continued enforcement of the 2020 ordinance maintained regulatory pressure. Imports fluctuated, reaching 15 001 t in 2024, boosted by amendments to Ordinance RD-02-20-2 effective April 2024, which added safety requirements for infrastructure projects. Exports dropped to 2 105 t in 2023, likely influenced by the new Ordinance No. Rd-02-20-1 on earthworks that altered specifications for shoring structures. Established players like Layher Bulgaria and PERI Bulgaria continued to supply innovative scaffolding and formwork systems.

Throughout the period, regulatory evolution from standardization to enhanced safety controls, alongside the adoption of new product types like telescopic props, defined the Bulgarian market for props and scaffolding. The consistent focus on meeting European standards such as EN 12810 and EN 1065 guided both domestic and imported supply, with key state and industry actors shaping the compliance landscape.

Production props for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, production of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping in Bulgaria declined. In 2020, output was valued at 52 540 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 12.6% decrease from the previous year. Production increased by 59.6% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 16.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 60 140 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 53.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year uptick, Bulgaria's production of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping in physical terms declined. In 2020, 67 191 tonnes were produced, reflecting a 13.2% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 76.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.8%. The peak was in 2019 with 77 400 tonnes, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 55.1%.

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

Exports props for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping from Bulgaria declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were recorded at 3 735 tonnes, showing minimal change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 4 491 tonnes, with the largest annual increase that year at 27.5%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Greece were the leading destinations for Bulgaria's exports of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping in physical terms. France accounted for 46.9% of exports, Germany for 12.8%, and Greece for 8.2%, together making up 68.0% 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

Exports of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping from Bulgaria fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 7 822 thousand US dollars, a 5.5% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 9 316 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 42.6%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 11.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Switzerland were the primary buyers of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping from Bulgaria in value terms. France represented 46.3% of exports, Germany 13.5%, and Switzerland 7.0%, collectively accounting for 66.8% 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 props for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, imports of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping into Bulgaria amounted to 8 948 tonnes, down by 16.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.3%. The largest annual increase was in 2019 at 4.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Germany, and Turkey were the main suppliers of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping to Bulgaria in physical terms. Italy accounted for 30.5% of imports, Germany for 13.8%, and Turkey for 13.2%, together comprising 57.4% of total import 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

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 13 364 thousand US dollars, a sharp 26.5% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 5.3%, with a compound annual decline of 1.8%. The highest value was in 2019 at 18 193 thousand US dollars, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 13.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Turkey formed the core group of markets for Bulgaria's imports of props for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping in value terms. Germany represented 28.2% of imports, Italy 20.9%, and Turkey 10.8%, together accounting for 59.9% of total import flows.

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

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