PVC in primary forms market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for PVC in primary forms in Bulgaria showed significant volatility between 2018 and 2024. Consumption peaked at 56 725 t in 2019 before entering a period of contraction. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2022, when the market volume fell by nearly 19% to 42 572 t, followed by a further slight reduction in 2023.

A recovery began in 2024, with market size increasing by 9% to 45 188 t. This upturn was supported by a technological modernization at a local PVC product manufacturer, which enhanced production capabilities. Concurrently, demand for specific PVC applications remained robust, particularly for vinyl flooring, which solidified its position as a preferred solution due to its durability and modern aesthetics, and for PVC banners and signage driven by advertising needs.

Throughout the period, the market operated under the influence of evolving European Union regulations targeting single-use plastics and packaging waste, though the full transposition of these rules into Bulgarian law was still pending as of 2024.

Production PVC in primary forms in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Bulgaria, the output value of PVC in primary forms reached 9 655 K $ US in 2020, showing a modest increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year. Production declined by 5.5% over the period from 2017 to 2020, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 099 K $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 10 594 K $ US. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 14.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria produced 7 845 tonnes of PVC in primary forms in 2020, reflecting a moderate growth of 9.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 7 177 tonnes, and the largest decrease was also in that year, at 7.8%.

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

Exports PVC in primary forms from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of PVC in primary forms amounted to 3 409 tonnes, representing a 4.6% increase year-over-year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 3 258 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 3 580 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 9.0%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 5.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for Bulgaria's exports of PVC in primary forms in volume terms were Romania, accounting for 35.8% of exports, Italy with 22.3%, and Turkey at 18.6%. Together, these three countries made up 76.7% 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 PVC in primary forms in value terms stood at 4 563 K $ US in 2020, marking a 10.0% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 150 K $ US, and the highest was in 2018 at 5 160 K $ US. The most significant drop was in 2019, with a decline of 19.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Romania, Turkey, and Italy—collectively accounted for 69.9% of Bulgaria's total export value for PVC in primary forms.

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 in primary forms to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria imported 47 872 tonnes of PVC in primary forms, which was 9.3% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 11.9%, with a compound annual decrease of 4.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 3.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Bulgaria's imports of PVC in primary forms in volume terms were sourced from many countries. Even the top suppliers—the United States, Spain, and Belgium—together represented only 40.4% 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

Bulgaria's imports of PVC in primary forms in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 45 872 K $ US, showing a moderate decrease of 7.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 17.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Bulgaria's imports in value terms was highly diversified. Belgium accounted for 13.1% of imports, Spain for 12.6%, and Hungary for 12.3%, with these three countries together making up only 38.0% of total flows. The remaining 62.0% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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