site.btaBulgaria’s Exports to Third Countries Down 4.5%, Imports Up 7.3% in January - May 2025

Exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 4.5% in the January - May 2025 period in comparison with the same period of 2024 and added up to BGN 11.8878 billion, according to preliminary data released by National Statistical Institute on Thursday.

The main trade partners of Bulgaria were Turkiye, the United States, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia, Algeria, China and Ukraine, which accounted for 52.5% of the exports to non-EU countries.

In May 2025, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries increased by 0.3% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year and amounted to BGN 2.3467 billion.

In the exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries, distributed according to the Standard International Trade Classification, the most notable growth was recorded in the section Beverages and tobacco (54.8%). The most notable fall was reported in the section Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials (53.8%).

The imports of goods to Bulgaria from third countries in the January - May 2025 period increased by 7.3% in comparison with the same period of 2024 and added up to BGN 17.4961 billion. The largest amounts were reported for the goods imported from Turkiye, China, Serbia and Ukraine.

In May 2025 the imports of goods to Bulgaria from third countries decreased by 15.6% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year and amounted to BGN 3.0794 billion.

In the imports of goods to Bulgaria from third countries, distributed according to the Standard International Trade Classification, the largest growth was recorded in the section Miscellaneous manufactured articles (29%). The most notable fall was reported in the section Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes (39.6%).

The foreign trade balance of Bulgaria with third countries in the period January - May 2025 was negative and added up to BGN 5.6083 billion.

In May 2025, the foreign trade balance of Bulgaria with third countries was also negative and amounted to BGN 732.7 million.