Stemmed or stripped tobacco market in Bulgaria, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for stemmed or stripped tobacco in Bulgaria contracted from 6 766 t in 2018 to 4 443 t in 2020, influenced by regulatory adjustments including amendments to the Tobacco Law to align with EU rules and the extension of sale deadlines for tobacco products. A key disruption in 2020 was Bulgartabac's halt of raw tobacco purchases from domestic producers, shifting sourcing to multinational companies and reducing market volume. The market partially recovered to 4 697 t in 2021, supported by intensified seizures of illicit cigarettes, which likely boosted legal sales.

From 2022, annual imports consistently exceeded 10 000 t, reflecting sustained demand. This period saw the launch of novel products like the heated tobacco device glo hyper x2 and ongoing legislative preparations for heated tobacco under EU Directive 2022/2100. The number of registered tobacco producers more than doubled from 2022 to 2023, indicating sector activity despite fluctuating cultivation areas for specific varieties, while government transitional aid continued to support growers.

Production stemmed or stripped tobacco in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After declining for two consecutive years, Bulgaria's production of stemmed or stripped tobacco rebounded. In 2020, output reached 10 764 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp year-over-year increase of 35.0%. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 13.8%. The lowest point occurred in 2019, with production valued at 7 974 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop was recorded in 2018, when production decreased by 32.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year decrease, Bulgaria's production of stemmed or stripped tobacco in physical terms showed growth. In 2020, the country produced 3 109 tonnes, representing a 19.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 29.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.8%. The minimum output was recorded in 2019 at 2 597 tonnes. The largest year-on-year decline happened in 2018, when production fell by 24.4%.

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

Exports stemmed or stripped tobacco from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's exports of stemmed or stripped tobacco in physical terms increased. In 2020, export volume totaled 5 888 tonnes, which is 45.3% higher than in the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 053 tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 30.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria exported stemmed or stripped tobacco to a diverse range of markets. Even the top three destinations—Greece, Slovenia, and Italy—collectively accounted for only 38.0% of total exports in physical terms, indicating a relatively dispersed market structure.

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, Bulgaria's exports of stemmed or stripped tobacco in value terms amounted to 24 852 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 47.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 16 825 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 25 238 thousand US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019, when exports dropped by 33.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports of stemmed or stripped tobacco in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The top three markets—Greece (21.0% of export value), Slovenia (10.3%), and Latvia (7.8%)—together captured only 39.1% of total export flows, highlighting a diversified export structure.

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

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

Imports stemmed or stripped tobacco to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of stemmed or stripped tobacco in physical terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 8 456 tonnes, indicating a year-over-year fall of 9.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 254 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 14.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's imports of stemmed or stripped tobacco in physical terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. The top three suppliers—India (19.1% of import volume), Greece (16.2%), and Brazil (8.5%)—together accounted for just 43.7% of total import flows, demonstrating a fragmented import structure.

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 stemmed or stripped tobacco in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 563 thousand US dollars, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 13.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 37.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 14.6%.

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

The partner structure for Bulgaria's imports of stemmed or stripped tobacco in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. The top three countries—Greece (17.3% of import value), India (12.7%), and Italy (10.1%)—together represented only 40.1% of total import flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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