Bulgaria's Macroeconomic Analysis:
Nominal GDP of USD 90.2 billion in 2022.
Nominal GDP of USD 101.1 billion in 2023.
GDP per capita of USD 15,779 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
GDP per capita of USD 13,985 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
Average real GDP growth of 2.2% over the last decade.
Average real GDP growth of 2.3% over the last decade.
Sector Analysis
In 2021, services accounted for 74% of overall GDP, manufacturing 14%, other industrial activity 8%, and agriculture 4%. Looking at GDP by expenditure, private consumption accounted for 59% of GDP in 2021, government consumption 20%, fixed investment 20%, and net exports 1%.International trade
In 2020, manufactured products made up 60% of total merchandise exports, mineral fuels 5%, food 17%, ores and metals 15% and agricultural raw materials 1%, with other categories accounting for 2% of the total. In the same period, manufactured products made up 63% of total merchandise imports, mineral fuels 8%, food 13%, ores and metals 10% and agricultural raw materials 1%, with other goods accounting for 5% of the total. Total exports were worth USD 50 billion in 2022, while total imports were USD 55 billion.Main Economic Indicators
Economic growthThe economy recorded average annual growth of 2.2% in the decade to 2022. To read more about GDP growth in Bulgaria, go to our dedicated page.
Fiscal policy
Bulgaria's fiscal deficit averaged 1.3% of GDP in the decade to 2022. Find out more on our dedicated page.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate averaged 8.4% in the decade to 2022. For more information on Bulgaria's unemployment click here.
Inflation
Inflation averaged 2.7% in the decade to 2022. Go to our Bulgaria inflation page for extra insight.
Exchange Rate
From end-2012 to end-2022 the lev weakened by 16.7% vs the U.S. dollar. For more info on the lev, click here.
Economic situation in Bulgaria
A flash reading showed that the economy shifted into a higher gear in Q3: Annual GDP growth rose to 2.2% (Q2: +2.1% yoy). Final consumption accelerated in the quarter, as declines in inflation and the unemployment rate supported household budgets. On the flipside, fixed investment fell at a sharper pace compared to Q2, and exports growth softened. In Q4, GDP growth is likely hovering near Q3’s level, and available data is upbeat. In October, economic sentiment rose above Q3’s average on rebounding sentiment in the industrial sector and softer consumer pessimism. In other news, the caretaker government drafted the 2025 budget in late October, projecting a 3.0% deficit of GDP and proposing a higher VAT rate on certain goods and services. Budget approval and tax law changes will likely be delayed, as a new parliament has yet to be formed.Bulgaria Economic Forecasts
Projections out to 2034.54 indicators covered including both annual and quarterly frequencies.
Consensus Forecasts based on a panel of 25 expert analysts.
Want to get insight on the economic outlook for Bulgaria in the coming years? FocusEconomics collects projections out to 2034 on 54 economic indicators for Bulgaria from a panel of 25 analysts at the leading national, regional and global forecast institutions. These projections are then validated by our in-house team of economists and data analysts, and averaged to provide one Consensus Forecast you can rely on for each indicator. This means you avoid the risk of relying on out of date, biased or outlier forecasts. Our Consensus Forecasts can be visualized in whichever way best suits your needs, including via interactive online dashboards , direct data delivery and executive-style reports which combine analysts' projections with timely written analysis from our in-house team of economists on the latest developments in the Bulgaria economy. To download a sample report on the Bulgaria's economy, click here. To get in touch with our team for more information, fill in the form at the bottom of this page.