Wood in the rough market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for wood in the rough began the period at 4.1 million tons in 2018, against a backdrop of regulatory changes including new essential requirements for construction products and a state-managed forestry model with six public enterprises awarding activities through tenders. By 2020, market volume had contracted to 3.4 million tons, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on supply chains and demand, which created market disruptions and delivery difficulties.

Market volume recovered to 3.6 million tons in 2021, supported by the preparation and analysis for a forthcoming ban on exports of unprocessed wood, a measure designed to increase domestic supply. The official implementation of this export ban in 2022 dramatically reduced outbound shipments, which was the primary driver behind a significant market expansion to 3.9 million tons that year. This period also saw strengthened market surveillance and product compliance in line with evolving European Union legislation.

In 2023, the market volume fell to 3.2 million tons, marking the lowest point in the reviewed period. This decline occurred even as the government expressed support for investments in wood processing and reported growing architectural interest in mass timber construction and designer furniture using industrial wood elements.

Production wood in the rough in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of wood in the rough has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 3 513 K t, marking a significant drop of 12.3% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 15.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 5.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4 244 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 1.9% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Bulgaria's wood in the rough production has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 274.9 M $ US, representing a 22.0% decline from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.9%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 430.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 10.9%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K t

Bulgaria's exports of wood in the rough have fallen for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 80.8 K t, showing a sharp decline of 12.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 47.2%, with a CAGR of -19.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Romania, and Turkey were the top destinations for Bulgaria's wood in the rough exports by volume. Greece accounted for 60.3% of exports, Romania for 16.8%, and Turkey for 8.4%, together making up 85.5% 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 wood in the rough exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 6 321 K $ US, which is 21.8% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 55.7%, with a CAGR of -23.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 034 K $ US. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 with a drop of 46.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, China, and Romania were the main buyers of Bulgaria's wood in the rough by value. Greece represented 46.0% of exports, China 22.3%, and Romania 15.0%, collectively accounting for 83.4% 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 wood in the rough to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K t

After increasing for two years, Bulgaria's imports of wood in the rough declined in 2020. Imports totaled 9.3 K t, down by 7.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 33.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.0%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 10.0 K t, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 38.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania were the primary sources for Bulgaria's wood in the rough imports by volume, while other markets played a smaller role.

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 imports of wood in the rough have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 024 K $ US, a 3.7% drop compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 133 K $ US. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.9%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Romania, Greece, and France were the key markets for Bulgaria's wood in the rough imports by value, together accounting for 80.4% 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