FX.co ★ Bulgaria Q1 GDP Grows at 3.1%

The Bulgarian economy expanded by 3.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the preliminary estimate of 2.9% and slightly accelerating from the 2.9% growth recorded in the previous quarter. The upturn was mainly supported by stronger investment activity: gross capital formation rose sharply (18.7% vs. 12.0% in Q4), while growth in gross fixed capital formation moderated (9.1% vs. 12.1%). Overall final consumption also eased slightly (7.8% vs. 8.1%). Net trade remained a drag on growth, as exports of goods and services declined (-7.4% vs. 0.7%), while imports continued to rise, albeit at a slower rate (8.2% vs. 11.1%). On a quarterly basis, GDP grew by 0.7% in Q1, matching the preliminary estimate but down from 0.8% in Q4.