Bulgaria’s trade deficit widened to EUR 957.9 million in May 2026, up from EUR 532.7 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports rose by 17.4% year-on-year to EUR 4,675.9 million, driven by stronger demand for goods from both EU countries (+6.1%) and non-EU markets (+34.6%). The sharpest import growth was recorded in crude materials (+58.8%), followed by mineral fuels and related products (+39.6%).
Exports also increased, climbing 7.8% to EUR 3,718.0 million, as shipments to the EU grew by 11.9% and exports to non-EU markets edged up 0.7%. 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 advanced 52.6%.
Over the January–May 2026 period, Bulgaria recorded a cumulative trade deficit of EUR 5,402.1 million, compared with EUR 3,935.9 million in the same period a year earlier. During this interval, exports increased by 7.4%, while imports rose by 12.8%.
