Agricultural trade is in the red for the first time in two decades

In 2025, Bulgaria's agricultural trade reached 14.5 billion euros, which is a growth of 7.7% compared to the previous year. Despite the increase in exports by 5.6% to 7.12 billion euros, imports grew faster – by 9.7% to 7.38 billion euros. Thus, for the first time in nearly two decades, the sector reported a negative trade balance of 265 million euros. The main contribution to the higher exports was made by sunflower, wheat, sunflower oil, coffee and chocolate products.

The stronger growth in imports was mainly due to increased supplies of rapeseed, rapeseed oil and corn for the processing industry, as well as higher import prices for coffee, cocoa products and tobacco products. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the negative balance is also related to two consecutive weak corn harvests in 2024 and 2025.

In 2025, the EU retains its role as Bulgaria's main partner in agricultural trade with 58.3% of the country's total agricultural exports for the year and 70.5% of total agricultural imports, according to an analysis by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova