Bulgaria: Paddy Rice Market 2025

Paddy Rice Market Size in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian paddy rice market rose significantly to $X in 2022, picking up by 11% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Paddy rice consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Paddy Rice Production in Bulgaria

In value terms, paddy rice production expanded slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -3.6% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of paddy rice in Bulgaria rose notably to X tons per ha in 2022, growing by 5.3% compared with the previous year. In general, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 11%. Over the period under review, the average paddy rice yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of paddy rice production in Bulgaria totaled X ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2021 figures. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 12%. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the paddy rice harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Paddy Rice Exports

Exports from Bulgaria

In 2022, shipments abroad of paddy rice decreased by -6.5% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after four years of growth. In general, exports, however, showed pronounced growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 99% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, paddy rice exports contracted modestly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 165%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons), Italy (X tons) and Romania (X tons) were the main destinations of paddy rice exports from Bulgaria, together accounting for 90% of total exports. These countries were followed by Ukraine, which accounted for a further 10%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Ukraine (with a CAGR of +75.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($X), Turkey ($X) and Romania ($X) constituted the largest markets for paddy rice exported from Bulgaria worldwide, together accounting for 89% of total exports. Ukraine lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 11%.

Ukraine, with a CAGR of +95.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average paddy rice export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 2.8% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, paddy rice export price increased by +112.6% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average export price increased by 33%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Ukraine (+11.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Paddy Rice Imports

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2022, supplies from abroad of paddy rice decreased by -2.2% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 179%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, paddy rice imports expanded remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 135% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Greece (X tons) was the main paddy rice supplier to Bulgaria, with a 99% share of total imports. It was followed by Italy (X tons), with a 1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Greece amounted to +26.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Italy (-6.1% per year) and Turkey (-35.7% per year).

In value terms, Greece ($X) constituted the largest supplier of paddy rice to Bulgaria, comprising 97% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Italy ($X), with a 2.6% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Greece stood at +27.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Italy (-4.5% per year) and Turkey (-31.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average paddy rice import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Greece ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (+5.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :