In the initial five months of 2026, Bulgaria witnessed a notable increase in its export activities, with total exports climbing to €18.8 billion. This represents a 7.4% rise compared to the same timeframe in the previous year, as per preliminary official figures. The growth in exports underscores a positive trend for the country’s trade sector.
However, the pace of import growth outstripped that of exports, with imports surging by 12.8% year-on-year, amounting to €24.2 billion from January to May. This faster rate of import growth has contributed to an expanding trade deficit for Bulgaria during this period.
Focusing on May alone, exports saw an increase of 7.8%, reaching €3.72 billion. Meanwhile, imports experienced a more significant jump of 17.4%, totaling €4.68 billion. The monthly data for May highlights a continuing trend where import growth has consistently outpaced exports.
As a consequence of these developments, Bulgaria recorded a trade deficit of €5.4 billion for the first five months of 2026. The trade imbalance persisted into May, with the deficit for that month alone standing at €957.9 million. This ongoing trade deficit is attributed to the more robust growth in imports relative to exports.
