Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for semi-milled or wholly milled rice expanded strongly between 2018 and 2020, with its total value rising from 7.2 million to 12.8 million US dollars. Domestic production followed a similar upward trend, increasing to 11.7 million dollars in 2020, reflecting growing domestic output and consumption.

Trade patterns shifted significantly after 2020, with a notable surge occurring in 2022. Imports and exports tripled that year, reaching 30.0 million and 35.9 million dollars respectively. This sharp increase was primarily driven by India's ban on rice exports, which raised global prices and created new opportunities for Bulgarian rice in international markets. Concurrently, the significant revenue growth of major domestic companies like Semekha and Andjelina indicated heightened market activity and competitiveness. Elevated trade levels persisted in 2023, though 2024 saw a contraction in exports, leading to a negative trade balance for the year.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 11 729 thousand US dollars, marking a 24.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 33.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 8 163 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production volume of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 14 642 tonnes, up by 3.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production decreased by 13.7%, translating to an annualized decline of 4.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 842 tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 18.4%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 20 168 tonnes of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 27.5%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 19 017 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 31.6%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 7.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and Poland were the key partners for Bulgaria's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in volume terms. Romania accounted for 63.2% of exports, Turkey for 14.9%, and Poland for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 85.8% 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 semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 13 072 thousand US dollars, up by 8.7% compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 11 152 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 29.1%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Romania, Turkey, and Poland led the structure of Bulgaria's exports in value terms. Romania accounted for 62.8% of exports, Turkey for 13.3%, and Poland for 6.7%. Collectively, these three partners represented 82.9% of total export 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 semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in volume terms have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country imported 28 541 tonnes, indicating a strong uptick of 23.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 40.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 19 509 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar, Greece, and Italy were the main suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Bulgaria in volume terms. Myanmar accounted for 39.2% of imports, Greece for 35.6%, and Italy for 6.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 81.2% of total import 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

Bulgaria's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 14 133 thousand US dollars, showing a steep increase of 26.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 30.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 10 213 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 5.7%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Myanmar, Greece, and Italy were the principal destinations for Bulgaria's imports in value terms. Myanmar accounted for 34.7% of imports, Greece for 31.0%, and Italy for 10.0%. Jointly, these three countries represented 75.7% 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