In the initial five months of 2026, Bulgaria’s export sector experienced continued growth, with total exports reaching €18.8 billion. This represents a 7.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year, as shown by preliminary official data. However, the country’s imports expanded at an even faster rate, with a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, amounting to €24.2 billion from January to May.
Focusing on May 2026, exports from Bulgaria were recorded at €3.72 billion, marking a 7.8% rise. Despite this positive trend in exports, imports surged by 17.4% to €4.68 billion during the same month. This substantial increase in imports compared to exports resulted in a trade deficit for the country.
The overall trade deficit for Bulgaria in the first five months of 2026 amounted to €5.4 billion. This imbalance reflects the stronger growth of imports over exports during this period. The discrepancy was also evident in the trade balance for May 2026, which showed a deficit of €957.9 million.
These figures highlight the challenges faced by Bulgaria’s trade sector, where the momentum in import growth has outpaced that of exports. The growing trade deficit underscores the need for strategies to boost export levels to ensure a more balanced trade relationship moving forward.