Unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian unbleached kraft or soda pulp market began the period with modest volume changes, moving from 32 379 metric tons in 2018 to 32 589 metric tons in 2019, supported by imports that offset a slight domestic production dip. A significant contraction followed in 2020, with the market volume falling to 28 086 metric tons.

The market stabilized at approximately 27 986 metric tons from 2021 onward. This lower plateau was directly linked to the shutdown of the country's largest pulp mill in 2021, which ceased operations due to a severe shortage of timber and speculative price surges in the wood market, creating enduring economic challenges for domestic production.

External factors influencing raw material supply persisted into 2024, with the war in Ukraine and the EU Green Deal affecting timber availability and costs, continuing to shape the operating environment for Bulgaria's pulp producers.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria ranked as the 25th largest global producer of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades.

Top producers of unbleached kraft or soda pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of unbleached kraft or soda pulp, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 27 986 tonnes, marking a 12.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 11%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 32 379 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 3.0% also occurring that year.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Bulgaria

Industry analysis indicates that Bulgaria did not export any unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from 2017 to 2020.

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 36-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, deliveries of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Bulgaria totaled 100.1 tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 86.8% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy and Greece were the dominant partners in Bulgaria's import structure for this product in kind, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

Market behavior was marked by volatility over this period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, followed by a peak in 2019, with a 51-fold swing between these extremes. In 2020, shipments of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Bulgaria amounted to 59.0 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial drop of 89.3% from the previous year.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy and Greece continued to be the primary suppliers of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Bulgaria. Together, they accounted for 98.3% of total import value, with the rest distributed among other countries.

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

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