Bulgaria: Market for Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite) 2025

Market Size for Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite) in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian market for siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) shrank to $X in 2021, which is down by -11% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, the total consumption indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +11.0% against 2018 indices. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite)

Exports from Bulgaria

In 2021, shipments abroad of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) increased by 67% to X tons, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports saw significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 275%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, exports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 218%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Serbia (X tons) was the main destination for exports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) from Bulgaria, with a 98% share of total exports. It was followed by North Macedonia (X tons), with a 1.2% share of total exports.

From 2015 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Serbia totaled +86.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: North Macedonia (-20.8% per year) and Georgia (-21.4% per year).

In value terms, Serbia ($X) remains the key foreign market for siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) exports from Bulgaria, comprising 97% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by North Macedonia ($X), with a 1.2% share of total exports.

From 2015 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Serbia totaled +84.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: North Macedonia (-17.3% per year) and Georgia (-33.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) amounted to $X per ton, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 93%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Georgia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Serbia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2015 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to North Macedonia (+4.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite)

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2021, supplies from abroad of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) increased by 13% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports posted a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 112% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, imports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) expanded significantly to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 85%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Mexico (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of siliceous fossil meal (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) to Bulgaria, accounting for a 59% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) from Mexico exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Spain (X tons), with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Mexico totaled +20.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+0.7% per year) and Spain (+39.6% per year).

In value terms, the largest siliceous fossil meal (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) suppliers to Bulgaria were Mexico ($X), Spain ($X) and the United States ($X), together accounting for 91% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Spain, with a CAGR of +41.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average import price increased by 63% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Spain ($X per ton), while the price for Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+5.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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