Toilet soap bars and impregnated materials market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for toilet soap in Bulgaria grew from 10 270 t to 12 172 t. This expansion was supported by the entry of new local producers like Soap Factory, which invested in its product portfolio and retail presence, alongside small artisan workshops turning hobbies into businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated demand, as consumers sought antibacterial and disinfectant soaps, boosting sales across the category.

After a period of stabilization in 2021, the market surged by 34% to 16 464 t in 2022. This jump coincided with regulatory developments in the cosmetics and perfumery sector, including European and national legislation affecting soap production and sales, which may have stimulated market activity. The value of the market also rose significantly, reaching 32.5 million USD in 2022.

The market corrected in 2023, falling to 14 285 t, before a slight recovery to 14 353 t in 2024. During this phase, established players like Soap Factory continued to develop their natural product lines and invest in raw materials, equipment, and human resources, helping to sustain market volume.

Production toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's production of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials was valued at 17 677 thousand US dollars, marking a slight increase of 0.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 909 thousand US dollars, which represented an 18.6% increase. However, in 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 7.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in physical terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 7 465 tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 12.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 7 596 tonnes, showing a 14.6% rise. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 1.5% decrease.

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

Exports toilet soap bars and impregnated materials from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in physical terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volume stood at 2 575 tonnes, down by 3.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 23%, with an average annual decline of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Romania, and Greece were the core destinations for Bulgaria's exports in physical terms. The Netherlands accounted for 24.8% of exports, Romania for 14.9%, and Greece for 10.3%, together representing 50.1% 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

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's exports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in value terms rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 5 063 thousand US dollars, up by 7.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14.3%, with an average annual decline of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 726 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest drop of 19.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Romania led with 15.8% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 12.7%, and Ukraine at 9.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 38.4% 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 toilet soap bars and impregnated materials to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in physical terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 7 282 tonnes, showing a solid growth of 15.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 28.4%, with an average annual increase of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Romania, and Germany were the main sources for Bulgaria's imports in physical terms. Turkey dominated with 48.8% of imports, Romania contributed 18.8%, and Germany accounted for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented 73.8% 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

In 2020, Bulgaria imported toilet soap bars and impregnated materials worth 13 779 thousand US dollars, which was 23.0% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 29.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 3.0% decrease.

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

During 2017-2020, Turkey, Romania, and Germany were the primary sources for Bulgaria's imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 33.3% of imports, Romania for 26.9%, and Germany for 6.1%. Together, these three countries made up 66.3% 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