PVC compounds in primary forms market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for PVC compounds in primary forms in Bulgaria is supported by the material's high strength-to-weight ratio, good electrical and thermal insulation properties, and excellent corrosion and weather resistance, making it a preferred choice for sheets, rods, and pipes. Between 2018 and 2024, overall market volume fluctuated, starting at 11 176 t in 2018, peaking at 14 703 t in 2021, then moderating before reaching 16 187 t in 2024.

Domestic production showed relative stability, moving from 7 780 t in 2018 to 8 571 t in 2024, with a notable dip in 2019. Imports, however, played a larger role in market supply, doubling from 6 463 t to 12 413 t over the period, while exports also increased from 3 067 t to 4 797 t.

The net result was a 45% expansion in total market volume across the seven-year span, with imports covering a growing share of domestic consumption, particularly after 2020.

Production PVC compounds in primary forms in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of PVC compounds in primary forms was valued at 9 655 thousand US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 6.1%. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 9 099 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 10 594 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019 at 14.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 5.5%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 7 845 tonnes of PVC compounds in primary forms, representing a 9.3% increase compared to 2019. Production hit its lowest level in 2019 at 7 177 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 7.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.5%, averaging an annualized rate of 1.5%.

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

Exports PVC compounds in primary forms from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of PVC compounds in primary forms reached 2 485 tonnes, showing a significant year-over-year uptick of 11.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 222 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 3 067 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 27.6%, and the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 24.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Romania, and Turkey were the top contributors to Bulgaria's exports of PVC compounds in primary forms in volume terms. Italy accounted for 29.7% of exports, Romania for 24.5%, and Turkey for 20.3%. Together, these three countries represented 74.5% 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

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of PVC compounds in primary forms amounted to 3 661 thousand US dollars, reflecting a robust 15.9% improvement compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 158 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 4 626 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 31.7%, and the most significant increase was in 2018 at 19.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Turkey, and Romania were the main destinations for Bulgaria's exports of PVC compounds in primary forms in value terms. Italy accounted for 25.5% of exports, Turkey for 24.6%, and Romania for 16.9%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 66.9% 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 PVC compounds in primary forms to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria imported 6 087 tonnes of PVC compounds in primary forms, which was 10.4% lower than in 2019. This followed a two-year period of increasing imports. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 794 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 15.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 8.5%, averaging an annualized rate of 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and North Macedonia were the principal sources for Bulgaria's imports of PVC compounds in primary forms in volume terms. Together, these three markets accounted for 74.1% of total imports.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of PVC compounds in primary forms reached 7 916 thousand US dollars, declining by 11.3% from the previous year and marking the second consecutive year of decrease. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 9 074 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 25.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and North Macedonia remained the principal suppliers of PVC compounds in primary forms to Bulgaria in value terms. Romania accounted for 32.0% of imports, Turkey for 18.3%, and North Macedonia for 16.9%. Together, these three countries represented 67.1% 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