Rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE in Bulgaria was initially shaped by the launch of the country's first dedicated production plant for pressure pipes made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) corrugated pipes by PLASTEC in 2018, which expanded domestic manufacturing capacity. This period also saw growing demand for pipes in water supply and sewerage applications due to their durability and ease of installation. After a minor contraction in 2019, the market volume rebounded sharply by over 30% in 2020, reaching 13.6 thousand tonnes. This recovery was supported by continued manufacturer investments in advanced materials like PE100RC and a shift in consumer preferences towards products designed for easier installation and repair.

Market development in 2021 and 2022 was further driven by the emergence of new application segments, particularly drip irrigation systems, which broadened the product's use. Concurrently, large-scale infrastructure projects, such as water network replacements using high-density PE100 pipes implemented by Pipelife Bulgaria, directly boosted demand. Investments in production capacity continued, exemplified by MPLAST OOD's project to modernize and expand its manufacturing facilities, strengthening local supply.

By 2023 and 2024, the physical market volume stabilized at approximately 13 thousand tonnes, with minor annual fluctuations. In contrast, the market's value continued to rise, reaching 31.0 million USD in 2023, indicating a trend towards higher-value, quality products that comply with European standards, even as overall tonnage saw a slight adjustment.

Production rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene was valued at 12,845 thousand US dollars, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 14,247 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 15.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with output dropping by 11.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 6,741 tonnes of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene, representing a 10.1% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 10.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The peak production was in 2018 at 6,789 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 11.5%. Meanwhile, 2019 recorded the biggest decline, with production falling by 9.8%.

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

Exports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene from Bulgaria have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 7,036 tonnes, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 104.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 307.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 59.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania were the primary destinations for Bulgaria's exports in kind, together accounting for 93.0% of total flows. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

The market exhibited volatility during this period. In 2020, exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene from Bulgaria amounted to 11,076 thousand US dollars, a 79.3% increase year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.1%, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 85.3%. The peak value was in 2020, and the lowest was in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 3 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Greece and Romania together accounting for 90.0% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining share.

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

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over this timeframe. In 2020, imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene into Bulgaria stood at 13,861 tonnes, an 80.4% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 2.3%. Imports peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2017, creating a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.5 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Italy led the structure of imports in kind. North Macedonia accounted for 60.9% of imports, Serbia for 9.9%, and Italy for 8.5%, together representing 79.3% of total flows.

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 imported 24,017 thousand US dollars worth of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene, a sharp increase of 58.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 107.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 27.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia, Italy, and Serbia were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports in value terms. North Macedonia accounted for 54.5% of imports, Italy for 12.6%, and Serbia for 8.8%, jointly making up 75.8% 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