Tissues and towels of paper market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper handkerchiefs, tissues and towels in Bulgaria expanded consistently from 2018 to 2024, with market volume growing from 13 617 tons to 19 198 tons. The early period saw stable growth supported by dominant local producers like the Belovo paper mill, which increased its export activity following privatization. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted demand toward sanitary paper products, prompting manufacturers to reorient production and leading to supply chain disruptions that raised raw material prices by about 50%.

After the initial shock, the market stabilized in 2021 with sustained demand for hygiene consumables. Companies such as Katrin Max and Satelit-GT expanded their offerings of dispensers and paper towels for the business segment. Global factors, including continued high raw material costs and logistical challenges, influenced the market in 2022, while producers developed private-label lines and broadened their portfolios. Market volume continued to rise through 2023 and 2024, reaching 19 198 tons, despite a slight dip in domestic production in 2023.

Production tissues and towels of paper in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Paper tissues and towels production in Bulgaria has been growing for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output value reached 16 524 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 31.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production volume of paper tissues and towels has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 313 tonnes, representing a 5.3% rise from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.8%, averaging an annual increase of 4.7%.

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

Exports tissues and towels of paper from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's cross-border shipments of paper tissues and towels totaled 1 798 tonnes, showing a slight decline of 1.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.9%, with an average annual drop of 3.4%. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 9.8%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Bulgaria's exports in kind were Greece, accounting for 39.1% of exports, Romania with 32.7%, and Italy at 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 78.1% 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 export value of paper tissues and towels has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 222 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest increase of 1.6% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 954 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.4%. In contrast, the highest increase occurred in 2019 at 7.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania led Bulgaria's exports in value terms with a 35.6% share, followed closely by Greece at 35.3%, and Italy at 3.8%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 74.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports tissues and towels of paper to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's import volume of paper tissues and towels has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 8 555 tonnes, indicating a moderate increase of 6.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 25%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports in kind were Greece, contributing 23.4% of imports, Turkey with 21.5%, and Italy at 13.0%. Together, these countries made up 57.9% 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 import value of paper tissues and towels has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 16 388 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 40.4%, averaging an annual increase of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary markets for Bulgaria's imports in value terms were Greece, accounting for 21.9% of imports, Turkey with 20.7%, and Romania at 15.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 57.7% of total import value.

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

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