Quicklime market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The quicklime market in Bulgaria opened the period at 171.5 thous. t in 2018, supported by long-established production facilities in Dobromir and Troitsa that have operated since the 1960s. Market volume then experienced a moderate decline to 167.7 thous. t in 2019 and further to 161.1 thous. t in 2020.

A recovery began in 2021 as consumption expanded to 178.6 thous. t, coinciding with a broader shift in consumer preferences towards home-related products and sustainable packaging, which may have stimulated construction activity. Growth continued to 188.2 thous. t in 2022, despite global supply-chain disruptions and soaring energy costs following the war in Ukraine, factors that sharply increased the market's monetary value. Volume peaked at 201.1 thous. t in 2023, driven by investments in modern production capacities and technological upgrades within the construction materials sector, alongside European sustainability regulations that bolstered demand for industrial materials like quicklime.

In 2024, the market contracted to 177.4 thous. t as new energy-price compensation mechanisms and stricter safety oversight for gas and energy installations raised production costs and likely constrained output.

Production quicklime in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's quicklime production declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 12 947 thousand US dollars, representing a 7.0% year-over-year decrease. Production reached its peak in 2019 at 13 922 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Quicklime production in Bulgaria fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 178.5 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate 3.3% decline compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%.

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

Exports quicklime from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's quicklime exports declined. In 2020, the country exported 18 302 tonnes, down 3.7% from 2019. Exports peaked in 2019 at 19 000 tonnes, which also recorded the largest annual increase of 26.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia and Romania accounted for the majority of Bulgaria's quicklime exports by volume, while other markets played a less significant role.

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 quicklime exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 419 thousand US dollars, up 8.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 46.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia (53.7% of export value), Romania (22.8%), and Greece (18.5%) were the main markets for Bulgaria's quicklime exports by value, together representing 95.0% of total 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 quicklime to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

The data shows volatile changes in Bulgaria's quicklime imports, indicating an unstable market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2 251-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 953 tonnes, down 57.7% year-over-year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 80 056.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (52.2% of import volume), Greece (23.2%), and Croatia (20.1%) were the main suppliers of quicklime to Bulgaria, together comprising 95.5% of total imports by 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

Bulgaria's quicklime import market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports were at their lowest in 2017 and highest in 2019, with a 131-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria imported approximately 124 thousand US dollars of quicklime, a sharp 26.0% year-over-year decline. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 4 149.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (38.6% of import value), Croatia (31.3%), and Greece (19.3%) stood out as the main sources for Bulgaria's quicklime imports by value, together accounting for 89.2% of total flows.

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

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