Statistical data

According to the preliminary data the Industrial Production Index, seasonally adjusted, increased by 1.5% in February 2019 as compared to January 2019. In February 2019 the working day adjusted Industrial Production Index rose by 6.6% in comparison with the same month of 2018.

The key indicators are elaborated in accordance with the euro area, European Union and individual Member States indicators system. The analytical document is quarterly updated. Source of the data are the NSI statistical surveys and BNB data.

In January 2019 compared to December 2018 an increase is reported for the production of solid fuels - by 4.3% and transport diesel - by 1.4%. At the same time a decrease is reported for the production of unleaded motor gasoline - by 4.8% and electricity - by 3.5%. No change for the production of liquefied petroleum gases and natural gas.

In January 2019 compared to December 2018 an increase is reported for the deliveries of solid fuels - by 4.1%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 28.1%, natural gas - by 0.7% and electricity - by 4.3%. At the same time a decrease is reported for the deliveries of liquefied petroleum gases - by 17.4% and transport diesel - by 1.9%.

Total Producer Price Index in February 2019 increased with 1.8% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2018 the prices rose by 3.9%. Producer Price Index on Domestic Market in February 2019 increased by 1.5% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2018 the domestic prices grew by 4.1%.

In March 2019, the total business climate indicator preserves approximately its February level as an improvement is registered only in retail trade.

In February 2019, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 396.6 thousand or by 4.5% above the registered in February 2018. The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visit the cultural and sport events) in February 2019 composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 49.8%, followed by those with professional purpose - 27.3%, and with holiday and recreation purpose - 22.9%.

In February 2019, the number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria was 483.0 thousand or by 5.6% more in comparison with February 2018. In February 2019, the predominant share of the visits with holiday and recreation purpose was 41.8%, followed by trips with other purposes - 38.5%, and with professional purpose - 19.7%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 5.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

In 2018 the unemployment rate was 5.2% by 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2017.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years achieved 72.4%, by 1.1 percentage points higher compared to 2017.

In 2018 the Bulgarian exports to the EU grew by 9.1% compared to 2017 and amounted to 37 697.5 Million BGN while the imports from the EU increased by 5.5% and reached 39 903.8 Million BGN.

In December 2018 the exports to the EU grew by 6.6% in comparison with the corresponding month of the previous year and amounted to 2 681.0 Million BGN while the imports added up to 3 064.1 Million BGN and dropped by 6.7%.

In January 2019 the exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries increased by 7.5% compared to the same month of  2018 and amounted to 1 394.2 Million BGN while the imports of goods from third countries increased by 9.1% and added up to 1 994.3 Million BGN.

In January 2019 the total value of all exported goods to third countries and EU amounted to 4 558.3 Million BGN, which is 3.8% more than the same month of 2018, while the total value of all imported goods from third countries and EU added up to 4 983.5 Million BGN and dropped by 1.5%.