Talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for talcum powder and other cosmetic powders in Bulgaria measured USD 1.2 million in 2018 and grew to USD 1.3 million by 2020. This initial expansion occurred against a backdrop of stable cosmetic sales and rising consumer interest in hypoallergenic and natural formulations. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 specifically boosted demand for skincare and personal care items, including powder products, as consumers focused more on at-home grooming and self-care routines.

Market volume continued its upward trajectory, reaching USD 2.1 million in 2022. This stronger growth phase was fueled by a lasting shift toward daily skincare regimens and wellness-oriented consumption, which emerged during the pandemic. Simultaneously, the market saw the development of natural and biodegradable cosmetic lines, the introduction of products with innovative active ingredients, and the rise of new segments such as brow products, all of which stimulated consumer interest and spending.

Although official market size figures for 2023 and 2024 are not available, import values rose steadily through 2024, suggesting sustained domestic demand. Industry reports for 2023 noted a challenging environment but also the ongoing trends toward mind-skin connection products, digital personalization services, and a clear consumer preference for cosmetics with proven efficacy and fewer harmful ingredients.

Production talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's production of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders was valued at 104.1 thousand US dollars, marking a 25.6% year-on-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 37.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 14.6%.

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

Exports talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K unit

The market for these exports showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 210 thousand units, then surged to a peak in 2018 at 15,871 thousand units—a staggering 76-fold difference. In 2020, exports stood at 316 thousand units, representing a 50.5% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 98.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, rising by 74.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and the Netherlands together accounted for 94.8% of Bulgaria's total exports of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders by volume, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations over these years. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2020 at 234 thousand US dollars, after peaking in 2018 at 2,018 thousand US dollars—an 8.6-fold difference. The 2020 figure was 24.6% lower than the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, falling by 84.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 65.4%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece emerged as the key export partners for Bulgaria in value terms. Germany accounted for 41.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 18.1%, and Greece for 7.2%, collectively representing 67.2% 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 talcum powder and other powders for cosmetic use to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K unit

Bulgaria's imports of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 601 thousand units, which is 39.5% lower than the previous year. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 54.3%, with an average annual decline of 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Turkey formed the core group of sources for Bulgaria's imports by volume. Germany contributed 27.2% of imports, Romania 14.5%, and Turkey 10.4%, together accounting for 52.1% 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

Foreign supplies of talcum powder and other cosmetic powders to Bulgaria declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at [value_last_year] thousand US dollars, showing a 41.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 49.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 20.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 3,032 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 8.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, Romania, and Czechia consistently remained the main sources for Bulgaria's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 26.0% of imports, Romania for 25.4%, and Czechia for 8.6%, together making up 60.0% 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