Intra-EU Trade in Goods (Intrastat) and Bulgaria’s Foreign Trade – Preliminary Data, April 2026
During the period January–April 2026, Bulgaria’s exports of goods to the EU increased by 8.5% compared to the same period of 2025, reaching EUR 9,854.2 million. Bulgaria’s main trading partners were Germany, Romania, Italy, Greece, and France, accounting for 67.7% of total exports to EU Member States.
According to the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), the largest increase in exports was recorded in “Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes” (+52.4%), while the sharpest decline was observed in “Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s.” (-21.7%).
In April 2026, Bulgaria’s exports to the EU increased by 11.3% year-on-year, amounting to EUR 2,494.8 million.
Imports of goods from the EU during January–April 2026 rose by 5.4% compared to the same period of 2025, reaching EUR 10,589.9 million. The largest import volumes originated from Germany, Romania, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands.
According to the SITC, the strongest growth in imports was recorded in “Machinery and transport equipment” (+10.0%), while the largest decline was observed in “Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes” (-21.5%).
In April 2026, imports from the EU increased by 1.4% compared to April 2025, reaching EUR 2,573.9 million.
Bulgaria’s trade balance with the EU (exports FOB – imports CIF) remained negative during January–April 2026, amounting to EUR 735.7 million.
Trade in Goods with Non-EU Countries (Extrastat) – Preliminary Data, May 2026
During January–May 2026, Bulgaria’s exports to non-EU countries increased by 4.1% year-on-year to EUR 6,497.4 million. The country’s main trading partners were Türkiye, China, Serbia, the United States, the United Kingdom, North Macedonia, and Ukraine, accounting for 48.2% of exports to non-EU markets.
In May 2026, exports to non-EU countries rose by 0.7% compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching EUR 1,266.0 million.
By SITC section, the largest increase in exports was recorded in “Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials” (+52.6%), while the largest decline was observed in “Food and live animals” (-22.1%).
Imports from non-EU countries during January–May 2026 increased by 22.9% compared to the same period of 2025, reaching EUR 11,063.3 million (CIF value). The largest import volumes came from Türkiye, China, Serbia, and Brazil.
In May 2026, imports from non-EU countries increased by 34.7% year-on-year to EUR 2,123.4 million.
The largest increase in imports by SITC section was recorded in “Crude materials, inedible, except fuels” (+58.8%), while the largest decline was registered in “Chemicals and related products” (-4.4%).
Bulgaria’s trade balance with non-EU countries (exports FOB – imports CIF) remained negative, amounting to EUR 4,565.9 million for the period January–May 2026. In May 2026 alone, the trade deficit with non-EU countries stood at EUR 857.4 million.
Bulgaria’s Total Trade in Goods (EU and Non-EU Countries)
During January–May 2026, Bulgaria’s total exports amounted to EUR 18,803.6 million, representing an increase of 7.4% compared to the same period of 2025.
In May 2026, total exports reached EUR 3,718.0 million, up 7.8% year-on-year.
During the same period, total imports amounted to EUR 24,205.7 million (CIF value), an increase of 12.8% compared to January–May 2025.
In May 2026, total imports increased by 17.4% year-on-year to EUR 4,675.9 million.
As a result, Bulgaria’s overall trade balance (exports FOB – imports CIF) remained negative, with a deficit of EUR 5,402.1 million for January–May 2026. In May 2026, the overall trade deficit amounted to EUR 957.9 million.
