Wallpaper and similar wall coverings market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the wallpaper market in Bulgaria saw a significant contraction in physical volume, declining from 1 424 t to 720 t. This overall downward trend was accompanied by fluctuations in market value, which decreased from 4 957 тыс. $ US in 2018 to 3 383 тыс. $ US in 2024. However, the market value showed relative resilience in the middle of the period, rising in 2022 and 2023 despite lower tonnage, indicating shifting price levels and product mix.

New legislative measures began influencing the market landscape from 2023. Updated regulations on hazardous waste management imposed higher material handling standards, which increased production compliance costs. Concurrent amendments to tax legislation and the forthcoming introduction of the euro from January 2024 created additional regulatory pressure, contributing to rising costs and supporting higher price points in the market during that year.

The regulatory environment evolved further in 2024 with the actual adoption of the euro and changes to Value-Added Tax (VAT) registration rules, altering the market's pricing framework. Rising prices for construction materials and finishing services in Sofia put upward pressure on final product costs. Consumer preferences concurrently shifted towards self-adhesive and designer wallpapers with natural motifs, stimulating supply in this niche segment, though the overall market volume contracted under the weight of broader macroeconomic and cost factors.

Production wallpaper and similar wall coverings in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of wallpaper and similar wall coverings was valued at 569.0 K $ US, representing a 29.1% increase compared to the previous year. However, production declined by 28.2% overall between 2018 and 2020, which translates to an annualized decrease of 10.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 440.8 K $ US, with the largest decline of 44.4% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 125.8 tonnes, with the largest decline of 20.0% recorded that year. It then peaked in 2020 at 216.2 tonnes, marking a 71.9% increase from 2019 and a 1.7-fold difference between the two years.

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

Exports wallpaper and similar wall coverings from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of wallpaper and similar wall coverings from Bulgaria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 60 tonnes, down by 31.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 68.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -31.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of Bulgarian wallpaper and similar wall coverings in kind were Georgia (32.0% of exports), France (23.3% of exports), and Armenia (11.7% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 67.0% of total exports in kind.

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

Exports of wallpaper and similar wall coverings from Bulgaria declined for the third consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, exports reached 193 K $ US, a steep decrease of 38.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 76.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -38.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the biggest contributors to Bulgaria's exports in value terms were France (19.2% of exports), Armenia (18.5% of exports), and Georgia (18.4% of exports). Collectively, these three countries represented 56.1% 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 wallpaper and similar wall coverings to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Imports of wallpaper and similar wall coverings into Bulgaria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 1 222 tonnes, corresponding to a 5.4% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for imports in kind were Ukraine (26.5% of imports), Germany (22.4% of imports), and Russia (13.6% of imports). This cluster of markets together accounted for 62.6% 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

Imports of wallpaper and similar wall coverings into Bulgaria declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 698 K $ US, down by 16.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 895 K $ US, with the largest increase of 4.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for imports in value terms were Germany (30.4% of imports), Ukraine (20.1% of imports), and Italy (12.6% of imports). Together, these three countries represented 63.0% 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