Bulgaria Trade Deficit Widens in July

Bulgaria’s trade deficit widened to EUR 1,026.9 million in July 2026, compared with EUR 838.8 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports climbed 8.5% year-on-year to EUR 5,089.9 million, reflecting stronger demand for goods from both EU (+5.0%) and non-EU (+13.0%) countries. Imports from non-EU countries increased most notably from Türkiye (+35.5%), China (+49.0%), and Kazakhstan (+37.8%). Purchases of crude materials recorded the sharpest increase (+72.9%), followed by mineral fuels and related products (+38.9%). Exports also increased, rising 5.5% to EUR 4,063.0 million, supported by stronger shipments to the EU (+19.4%), despite a decline in exports to non-EU markets (-14.2%). During the January-July 2026 period, the country posted a cumulative trade deficit of EUR 7,395.0 million, compared with EUR 5,378.6 million a year earlier, as exports rose 8.5%, while imports increased 13.7%.

Bulgaria’s trade deficit widened to EUR 1,010.7 million in June 2026 from EUR 575.9 million in the corresponding month a year earlier. Imports rose 22.1% year-on-year to EUR 5,175.5 million, driven by higher purchases from both the EU (9.6%) and non-EU countries (40.4%). Meanwhile, exports increased 13.7% to EUR 4,164.8 million, supported by sales to the EU (15.8%) and non-EU markets (10.1%). Over the first six months of the year, imports climbed 14.4% to EUR 29,381.2 million, with purchases rising from Kazakhstan (38.9%), Turkey (36.9%), and China (64.7%). Imports increased across raw materials excluding fuels (79.9%), mineral fuels, oils, and similar products (44.7%), and machinery, equipment, and vehicles (26.9%). Meanwhile, exports rose 8.5% to EUR 22,968.4 million, with shipments growing to China (55%), Serbia (14.1%), and the United Kingdom (35%). Sales increased for chemical substances and products (17.1%), and miscellaneous finished products (10%).

Bulgaria’s trade deficit widened to EUR 957.9 million in May 2026, compared with EUR 532.7 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports climbed 17.4% year-on-year to EUR 4,675.9 million, reflecting stronger demand for goods from both EU (+6.1%) and non-EU (+34.6%) countries. Purchases of crude materials recorded the sharpest increase (+58.8%), followed by mineral fuels and related products (+39.6%). Exports also increased, rising 7.8% to EUR 3,718.0 million, as shipments to the EU (+11.9%) and non-EU markets (+0.7%) expanded. The strongest export growth was seen in fats, oils, and waxes of animal and vegetable origin (+50.1%), while exports of mineral fuels and related products rose 52.6%. During the January-May 2026 period, the country posted a cumulative trade deficit of EUR 5,402.1 million, compared with EUR 3,935.9 million in the same period a year earlier, with exports rose 7.4%, while imports increased 12.8%.