Soap bars and rganic surface-active products market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian soap market maintained stable volumes around 15 800 t in 2018-2019, supported by growing consumer interest in natural and artisanal products which spurred the entry of new small-scale producers. This period saw the foundation of a niche segment for handcrafted and organic soaps. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 abruptly altered market dynamics, as heightened focus on health and hygiene triggered a surge in demand for antibacterial soaps, driving the total market volume up by 16% to 18 313 t.

In the following years, the market's evolution was shaped by a stronger regulatory framework and a sustained shift towards sustainability. Stricter EU and Bulgarian labeling rules, alongside new environmental legislation affecting production and packaging, were implemented. Producers responded by investing in expanded facilities and focusing on organic, vegan formulations and eco-friendly packaging, reinforcing the market's development through 2022 and beyond.

Production soap bars and rganic surface-active products in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's production of soap bars and organic surface-active products was valued at 19 608 thousand US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 4.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 21 128 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 24.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 10.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 9 216 tonnes of soap bars and organic surface-active products, representing an 8.0% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 23.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The peak volume was reached in 2018 at 9 423 tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 26.2%. However, 2019 saw the most substantial decline of 9.4%.

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

Exports soap bars and rganic surface-active products from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, with shipments totaling 3 184 tonnes, down 2.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 17%, translating to a compound annual decline rate of 6.0%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 4 045 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 5.4%. In 2019, exports experienced the most significant drop of 19.2%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. The Netherlands accounted for 20.2% of exports, Romania for 15.6%, and Greece for 10.8%, collectively representing 46.6% of total flows. The remaining 53.4% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

In 2020, the value of soap bars and organic surface-active products exported from Bulgaria reached 6 624 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 9.4% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, however, export values decreased by 4.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 053 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 23.6%. In contrast, 2018 marked the peak at 7 922 thousand US dollars, with the highest increase of 14.3%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that Bulgaria's exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Romania accounted for 15.3% of export value, the Netherlands for 10.0%, and Greece for 9.4%, together making up 34.7% 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 soap bars and rganic surface-active products to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 12 282 tonnes, a robust 16.8% rise year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 16.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 10 395 tonnes, which also saw a slight decline of 1.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey dominated Bulgaria's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in volume terms, accounting for 62.6% of the total. Romania followed with 12.9%, and Poland with 4.4%. Together, these three countries represented 79.9% of all imports, solidifying their positions as the main sources for Bulgaria.

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, the value of soap bars and organic surface-active products imported into Bulgaria surged to 20 231 thousand US dollars, a strong 22.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values rose by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 16 464 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey led Bulgaria's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in value terms, accounting for 45.0% of the total. Romania contributed 19.6%, and Italy 5.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.4% of all import flows, highlighting their key roles in Bulgaria's supply chain.

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

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