Soap and skin-washing preparations market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market volume for soap and skin-washing preparations in Bulgaria stood at 30.2 thousand tons. A decline to 28.8 thousand tons followed in 2019, a period that also saw growing consumer demand for ecological and biodegradable products. The market rebounded to 32.5 thousand tons in 2020, driven primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the need for disinfectants, and by new permissions from the Ministry of Health for biocides that regulated market access for disinfecting preparations. In value terms, the market decreased from $55.9 million in 2018 to $49.9 million in 2020, indicating a possible shift towards more affordable products or price adjustments.

Following 2020, imports of these preparations continued to grow, reaching 22.7 thousand tons by 2024, while exports fluctuated between 11.0 and 15.2 thousand tons. The market trend towards ecological and probiotic products persisted into 2021. In 2022, the entry of new players like the company 'Fiorela' and strengthening consumer preferences for higher-quality, eco-friendly goods supported further market development. For 2023 and 2024, imports remained at a high level, though exports declined to 12.8 thousand tons in 2024.

Production soap and skin-washing preparations in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of soap and skin-washing preparations was valued at 48 876 thousand US dollars, marking a 33.2% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 56.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 16.2%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 7.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 28 169 tonnes of soap and skin-washing preparations, representing a 33.6% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, production expanded by 59.1%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 16.7%. The largest decrease was observed in 2019, at 3.5%.

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

Exports soap and skin-washing preparations from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 16 162 tonnes of soap and skin-washing preparations, which is 44.0% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 46.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 13.6%. The most notable decline was in 2019, with a 6.5% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's exports of soap and skin-washing preparations in kind were distributed across numerous markets. Romania, with 20.9% of exports in kind, the Netherlands at 11.8%, and Greece at 8.8%, together accounted for just 41.5% 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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.3 times. In 2020, Bulgaria's cross-border shipments of soap and skin-washing preparations reached 37 805 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 83.0% increase over the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, at 1.4%.

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

The structure of Bulgaria's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. Russia, with 21.7% of exports in value terms, Romania at 13.7%, and the Netherlands at 9.8%, together made up only 45.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports soap and skin-washing preparations to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria imported 20 527 tonnes of soap and skin-washing preparations, showing an 8.2% increase from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 6.1%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The lowest volume was in 2019, at 18 966 tonnes, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Turkey, Romania, and Malaysia—collectively accounted for 57.3% of Bulgaria's total imports in kind of soap and skin-washing preparations.

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 38 828 thousand US dollars worth of soap and skin-washing preparations, indicating a solid 13.3% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The most significant decrease was in 2019, at 7.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, Bulgaria's imports in value terms of soap and skin-washing preparations were spread across a wide range of markets. Turkey, with 23.7% of imports in value terms, Romania at 14.9%, and France at 10.1%, together represented only 48.6% 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