Bulgaria experienced a continued rise in its export activity during the first five months of 2026, as total exports reached €18.8 billion. This figure marks a 7.4% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year, based on preliminary official data. However, imports grew at an even more rapid pace, climbing 12.8% year-on-year, amounting to €24.2 billion from January to May.
The month of May specifically saw exports increase by 7.8%, reaching €3.72 billion. Meanwhile, imports saw a significant surge, jumping 17.4% to a total of €4.68 billion. This disparity between the growth rates of imports and exports resulted in a trade deficit for the country.
Over the first five months of the year, Bulgaria recorded a trade deficit of €5.4 billion. For May alone, the trade deficit stood at €957.9 million, underscoring the trend of stronger growth in imports compared to exports.
This widening trade gap highlights the challenges Bulgaria faces in balancing its international trade. The data suggests a robust internal demand driving the import growth, while export growth, though positive, has not kept pace with the rising levels of imports.