Source: National Statistical Institute
Bulgaria’s exports of goods to the EU fell by 3.8% in 2025 compared to 2024, totaling BGN 53,883.9 million, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) published on March 12. Bulgaria’s main trading partners are Germany, Romania, Italy, Greece, and France, which together account for 63.8% of exports to EU member states.
By sector, the largest export growth is reported in "Fats, oils, and waxes of animal and vegetable origin" (43.9%), while the largest decline occurred in "Miscellaneous manufactured articles" (14.7%).
In December 2025, exports of Bulgarian goods to the EU increased by 6.5% compared to December 2024, reaching BGN 4,268.2 million.
Imports of goods into Bulgaria from the EU rose by 4.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, totaling BGN 60,538.5 million. The highest import values came from Germany, Romania, Greece, Italy, and Poland.
By sector, the largest increase in imports was in "Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and tobacco" (23.1%), while the largest decline was in "Unprocessed (raw) materials, not suitable for consumption (excluding fuels)" (4.5%).
In December 2025, imports from the EU increased by 7.9%, reaching BGN 5,213.1 million.
Bulgaria’s foreign trade balance with the EU (exports FOB – imports CIF) remained negative in 2025, amounting to BGN 6,654.6 million.
Bulgaria's Exports to Non-EU Countries Down 9% in January 2026 Y/Y, Imports Up 5.3%
In January 2026, Bulgaria's exports of goods to non-EU countries decreased by 9% compared with the same month of 2025, reaching EUR 1,012.6 million, according to preliminary data published on March 12 by the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
Bulgaria's main trading partners were Turkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, Serbia, North Macedonia, Ukraine and Algeria, which together accounted for 47.4% of exports to non-EU countries.
The largest increase in exports was recorded in the sector "Animal and vegetable fats, oils and waxes" (175%). The largest decline was observed in the sector "Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials" (72.4%).
Imports of goods into Bulgaria from non-EU countries in January 2026 increased by 5.3% compared with January 2025, reaching EUR 2,044.5 million. The largest value of imported goods came from Turkiye, China, Brazil and Ukraine.
In imports, the largest increase was recorded in the sector "Machinery and transport equipment" (57.7%), while the largest decline was observed in "Animal and vegetable fats, oils and waxes" (46.5%).
Bulgaria's trade balance (exports FOB - imports CIF) with non-EU countries in January 2026 was negative, amounting to EUR 1,031.9 million.
Bulgaria's Trade in Goods with Non-EU Countries and the EU - Total
In January 2026, Bulgaria exported goods worth a total of EUR 3,327 million, which was 1.4% less compared with January 2025.
In the same month, the total value of goods imported into the country reached EUR 4,373 million (CIF prices), or 0.1% more than in January 2025.
The overall trade balance (exports FOB - imports CIF) was negative in January 2026, amounting to EUR 1,046 million.