Bulgaria: Refined Lead Market 2024

Refined Lead Market Size in Bulgaria

In 2022, the Bulgarian refined lead market increased by 0.9% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, recorded a noticeable reduction. Refined lead consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Refined Lead Production in Bulgaria

In value terms, refined lead production surged to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. Refined lead production peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Refined Lead Exports

Exports from Bulgaria

In 2022, approx. X tons of refined lead (unwrought) were exported from Bulgaria; growing by 6.4% on the previous year. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 15% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, refined lead exports rose remarkably to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 38%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons), Greece (X tons) and North Macedonia (X tons) were the main destinations of refined lead exports from Bulgaria, with a combined 87% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for North Macedonia (with a CAGR of +146.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Turkey ($X), Greece ($X) and North Macedonia ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for refined lead exported from Bulgaria worldwide, together accounting for 88% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, North Macedonia, with a CAGR of +144.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, 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 refined lead export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 1.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 25%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Romania ($X per ton) and Turkey ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Czech Republic ($X per ton) and Italy ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Turkey (+1.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Refined Lead Imports

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2022, the amount of refined lead (unwrought) imported into Bulgaria skyrocketed to X tons, growing by 16% compared with the previous year. Overall, imports continue to indicate prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 203%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refined lead imports soared to $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 207% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Serbia (X tons) constituted the largest refined lead supplier to Bulgaria, accounting for a 87% share of total imports. Moreover, refined lead imports from Serbia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Greece (X tons), more than tenfold. South Africa (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 2.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Serbia totaled +18.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Greece (+5.8% per year) and South Africa (+72.3% per year).

In value terms, Serbia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of refined lead (unwrought) to Bulgaria, comprising 87% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Greece ($X), with a 3.8% share of total imports. It was followed by South Africa, with a 2.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Serbia totaled +20.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Greece (+12.6% per year) and South Africa (+73.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average refined lead import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 35% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 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 Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+18.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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