Business statistics

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 3.9% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 25 432.8 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries increased by 7.1% and added up to 34 703.6 million BGN.

The most notable growth in the exports was recorded in the section ‘Chemical and related products n.e.c.’ (11.4%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes’ (38.9%). The largest growth in the imports of goods from third countries...

In October 2024, 2 237 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 70.3 thousand rooms and 148.5 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the number of accommodation establishments increased by 0.2%, while the bed-places in them decreased by 1.4%.

The total number of nights spent was 1 081.1 thousand, or 1.4% more in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in ...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Construction Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In October 2024, the production index in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 0.1% compared to the previous month. An increase was seen in the building construction - by 1.2% and in the production of civil engineering - by 0.5%. ...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Industrial Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Industrial Production Index went down by 0.7% in October 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In October 2024, compared to September 2024, a decline was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 22...

In 2024, 96.4% of non-financial enterprises with 10 or more persons employed had internet access. Fixed internet connection was available in 89.2% of the enterprises and the maximum download speed in 54.1% was more than 100 Mbps.

The relative share of persons employed who had access to the internet increased to 43.4%, and 25.4% used portable devices with mobile internet connection for business purposes. 76.4% of the companies provided persons employed with remote access to information resources such as e-mail, documents of the enterprise, business applications or software.

The trend of annual growth of the relative share of households with internet access continued - in 2024, 92.1% of the households in Bulgaria had access to the global network at home. Their relative share increased by 3.6 percentage points compared to the previous year. 94.7% of the households living in urban areas had internet access and for those resided in rural areas the relative share was 84.3%.

81.9% of the individuals aged between 16 and 74 years used the internet every day or at least once a week at any location (home, work or other places), and the share of people who...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Services Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In September 2024, the total production index in Services of the business economy increased by 0.2% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Compared to September 2023, a rise of 7.0% was registered in the...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Turnover Indices in Retail trade by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In October 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 0.8% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Growth was reported in all big groups: ‘Retail sales...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Producer Prices Indices in Industry by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 1.4% in October 2024 compared to the previous month. A decrease of 12.1% was registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, while the prices in the mining and quarrying industry rose ...

In November 2024, the total business climate indicator preserves its October level. An improvement of the indicator is registered in the industry, in the retail trade remains on its level from the previous month, and in construction and in service sector a decrease is observed.

Тhe uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, costs of materials and competition in the branch continue to be the main factors limiting the business development in the sectors.

In October 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 720.9 thousand, or 3.9% above the registered in October 2023. An increase in the trips with all observed purposes was registered: holiday and recreation - by 7.4%, professional - by 4.8%, and with other purposes - by 0.3%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 953.1 thousand, or 6.0% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. An increase in the trips with all observed purposes was registered: holiday and recreation - by 12.9%, professional - by 4.7%, an...

In the third quarter of 2024, the goods carried by freight land and water transport dropped by 28.1% and the transport performance - by 22.7% in comparison with the same quarter of 2023. The data are preliminary.

The number of passengers carried by passenger transport (land, water and urban electrical transport) increased by 16.9% as did the transport performance, which recorded a 9.7% rise.

In the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year:

• The goods carried by land transported were 29.0% less and the ...

In the third quarter of 2024, 1.8 million Bulgarian residents made tourist trips. The majority of them - 72.3%, travelled only in the country, 20.8% - only abroad, and 6.9% - both in the country and abroad. Compared to the same quarter of 2023, the number of travelled persons aged 15 and over remains at the same level.

In the period January - August 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 3.4% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 36 269.0 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 5.6% and amounted to 36 374.7 million BGN.

In August 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 2.4% compared to the same month of 2023 and amounted to 4 286.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods ...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 3.5% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 22 536.2 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries increased by 7.5% and added up to 31 067.5 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth in the exports was recorded in the section ‘Chemical and related products n.e.c.’ (10.1%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes’ (37.0%). The largest growth in the imports of goods from third coun...

In September 2024, 3 290 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 138.8 thousand rooms and 312.2 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the number of accommodation establishments increased by 2.4%, while the bed-places in them decreased by 1.1%.

The total number of nights spent was 3.1 million, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments increased by 1.4% an...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Construction Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In September 2024, the production index in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 0.4% compared to the previous month. An increase was seen in the production of specialized construction activities and in the building construction - both by 0.5%, and in the produc...

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Industrial Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Industrial Production Index went up by 1.2% in September 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In September 2024, compared to the previous month, a rise was seen in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning...

In October 2024, the total consumer confidence indicator decreases by 3.8 percentage points in comparison with July (from -8.4% to -12.2%). A decrease of the consumer confidence among both urban and rural inhabitants - by 3.3 and 5.0 percentage points respectively is reported.

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Turnover Indices in Retail trade by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In September 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 0.4% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A growth was reported in ‘Retail sales of non-food...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Services Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In August 2024, the total production index in Services of the business economy increased by 1.5% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Compared to August 2023, an increase of 7.3% was registered in the ...

In the third quarter of 2024, the municipal authorities issued building permits for the construction of 2 113 residential buildings with 9 215 dwellings, 18 administrative buildings/offices and 1 162 other buildings.

The issued building permits for new residential buildings increased by 0.3% compared to the third quarter of 2023. The issued building permits for administrative buildings and other buildings have shown a decrease by 28.0 and 7.3% respectively.

The construction of 1 553 residential buildings with 6 707 dw...

In 2023, the total amount of expenditure on research and development activity (R&D) was 1 467.5 million BGN, which was 15.9% more than the previous year. The annual growth tendency is retained for the period 2019 - 2023.  

R&D intensity (R&D expenditure as a percentage of the gross domestic product) amounted to 0.79% and it was 0.04 percentage points higher than in 2022.

Regarding R&D expenditure by fields of science in 2023, as in the previous year, the highest share belonged to the R&D expenditure in engineering and technology science...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Producer Prices Indices in Industry by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 0.8% in September 2024 compared to the previous month. A decrease of 1.8% was registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, as well as in the manufacturing industry - ...

In October 2024, the total business climate indicator decreases by 5.6 percentage points in comparison with September, as a reduction of the indicator is registered in all observed sectors - industry, construction, retail trade and services.

The most serious problems for the business development in the sectors remain the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, costs of materials and competition in the branch.

In September 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 858.6 thousand, or 5.2% above the registered in September 2023. An increase in the trips with all observed purposes was registered: holiday and recreation - by 10.5%, professional - by 2.7%, and with other purposes - by 0.8%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 1 261.7 thousand, or 4.6% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. An increase in the trips with all observed purposes was registered: professional - by 9.2%, holiday and recreation - by 7.1%, and with other purpos...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 1.8% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 20 233.1 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries increased by 8.1% and added up to 27 651.6 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth in the exports was recorded in the section ‘Chemical and related products n.e.c.’ (10.3%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes’ (33.7%). The largest growth in the imports of goods from third coun...

In the period January - July 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 3.5% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 31 982.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 5.0% and amounted to 32 363.7 million BGN.

In July 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU increased by 5.4% compared to the same month of 2023 and amounted to 5 053.0 million BGN, while the imports of...

In August 2024, 3 720 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 147.8 thousand rooms and 338.9 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the number of accommodation establishments increased by 0.5%, and the bed-places in them - by 0.3%.

The total number of nights spent was 6.3 million, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments increased by 4.1% and reache...

Since July 2024, NSI has started publishing Construction Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In August 2024, the production index in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 1.7% compared to the previous month. An increase was seen in the production of specialized construction activities - by 2.6%, in the civil engineering - by 2.4%, and in the produc...

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Industrial Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Industrial Production Index increased by 0.8% in August 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In August 2024, compared to the previous month, an increase was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 22....

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Services Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In July 2024, the total production index in Services of the business economy increased by 1.2% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Compared to July 2023, an increase of 8.5% was registered in the calendar-...

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Turnover Indices in Retail trade by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In August 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices decreased by 0.6% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was reported in ‘Retail sales of non-food produ...

In September 2024, the total business climate indicator decreases by 1.0 percentage point compared to the previous month, as a result of the more unfavourable business climate in the industry sector.

The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, insufficient demand and costs of materials continue to be the main factors limiting the business development in the sectors.

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Producer Prices Indices in Industry by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry rose by 0.4% in August 2024 compared to the previous month. An increase of 9.0% was registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, while the prices in the mining and quarrying industry fell by 1.9...

In August 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 903.4 thousand, or 8.3% above the registered in August 2023. Аn increase was registered in the trips with holiday and recreation purposes - by 19.6%, and with professional purposes - by 3.0%, while those with other purposes (as a guest, education, and visiting cultural and sports events) decreased by 3.6%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 2 135.7 thousand, or 2.8% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. Аn increase was registered in the trips with holiday and recreation ...

Тhe exported goods amounted to 86 903.6 million BGN or 6.5% less than in 2022. The imported goods were for 97 073.0 million BGN, which is 10.0% less than the previous year.

The largest growth in the exports of goods compared to 2022 was reported in the section ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (18.0%). The biggest fall was observed in section ‘Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes’ (49.9%). The largest growth in the imports of goods was registered in the section ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (14.9%) while the biggest fall was observed in section ‘An...

In July 2024, 3 698 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 147.9 thousand rooms and 339.4 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the number of accommodation establishments and the bed-places in them remain at the same level.

The total number of nights spent was 5.9 million, or by 2.4% more in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation estab...

In the period January - June 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 5.0% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 26 929.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 5.5% and amounted to 27 678.2 million BGN.

In June 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 0.3% compared to the same month of 2023 and amounted to 4 714.4 million BGN, while the imports of goods fr...

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Construction Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In July 2024, the production index in the ‘Construction’ section decreased by 0.1% compared to the previous month. A decrease was seen in the production of civil engineering - by 1.0%, and in the production of building construction - by 0.1%. An increase was obser...

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Industrial Production Indices by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Industrial Production Index increased by 0.6% in July 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In July 2024, compared to the previous month, an increase was seen in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning su...

In June 2024, the total production index in Services of the business economy increased by 0.6% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Compared to June 2023, an increase of 4.3% was registered in the calendar-adjusted index according to preliminary data.

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Turnover Indices in Retail trade by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

In July 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 1.2% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was reported in all major groups: ‘Retail sales of fo...

At the National Statistical Institute, according to preliminary data, 45 licensed insurers, 10 pension companies and 31 supplementary pension funds managed by them, as well as 19 funds for making payments, 248 investment companies and 10 479 associations and foundations have submitted their annual reports for 2023.

Insurance companies

For 2023, a total of 45 licensed insurance companies have submitted their annual reports at the National Statistical Institute, with balance value of assets as of 31.12.2023 for 8 897 million BGN and realised turn...

Annual reports on their activity for 2023 were submitted at the National Statistical Institute (NSI) by 461 819 non-financial enterprises, which was 2.7% more compared to 2022. The number of persons employed in full-time equivalent in the non-financial enterprises was 2 217 960 or 1.4% more than the previous year. The non-financial enterprises generated 288 962 million BGN of the value of output at current prices and reported a positive financial result of 35 809 million BGN (the data are preliminary).

At the NSI 48 906 enterprises in the sector ‘Agri...

The foreign direct investments^[1] (FDI) in the non-financial sector as of 31.12.2023 amounted to 32 566 million euro at current prices.

The largest volume of the foreign direct investments was in Industry sector - 13 527 million euro. Next by FDI volume was Service sector (Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; Transport, communication and services; Accommodation and food service activities) - 7 793 million euro.

In the sector Information and communicat...

From July 2024, NSI started publishing Producer Prices Indices in Industry by base year 2021 = 100 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197.

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry rose by 2.2% in July 2024 compared to the previous month. An increase of 8.1% was registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and in the manufacturing industry by 0.4%, while the prices...

In August 2024, the total business climate indicator increases by 0.5 percentage points in comparison with July. A growth of the indicator is observed only in the industry, while in the construction, retail trade and service sector a reduction is registered.

The main problems for the activity of the enterprises in the sectors remain connected with the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, insufficient demand and costs of materials.

In July 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 861.8 thousand, or 5.0% above the registered in July 2023. An increase was registered in the trips with holiday and recreation purposes - by 11.1%, and with other purposes (as a guest, education, and visiting cultural and sports events) - by 0.6%, while those with professional purposes decreased - by 1.0%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 1 898.4 thousand, or 3.4% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. An increase was registered in the trips with holiday and recreation pu...

In the second quarter of 2024 there was a 1.2% rise in the goods carried by freight transport in comparison with the previous quarter, while the transport performance remained unchanged.

Both the passengers carried by passenger transport (land, water and urban electrical transport) and the transport performance decreased by 1.7% and 5.8%, respectively. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In the second quarter of 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year:

• The goods carried by land transported were 3.1% less, wh...

In the second quarter of 2024, 1.2 million Bulgarian residents made tourist trips. The majority of them - 71.3%, travelled only in the country, 22.6% - only abroad, and 6.1% - both in the country and abroad. Compared to the same quarter of 2023, the total number of travelled persons aged 15 and over increased by 3.1%.

In the period January - May 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 6.2% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 22 176.3 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 4.9% and amounted to 23 247.5 million BGN.

In May 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 5.2% compared to the same month of 2023 and amounted to 4 496.2 million BGN, while the imports of goods from...

In June 2024, 3 297 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 139.5 thousand rooms and 314.4 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the accommodation establishments increased by 2.0% and the bed-places in them - by 1.4%.

The total number of nights spent was 3.5 million, or by 5.9% more in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments increas...

The Industrial Production Index decreased by 0.2% in June 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In June 2024, compared to the previous month, a decrease was seen in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 15.8%, while an increase was registered in the manufacturing - by 2.2%, and in the mining and quarrying industry - by 0.7%.

In comparison with June 2023, a decrease of 5.2% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop of the Industrial Produ...

In June 2024, the production index in the ‘Construction’ section decreased by 1.1% compared to the previous month. A decrease was seen in the specialized construction activities - by 3.4%, and in the production of building construction - by 0.6%. An increase was observed in the production of civil engineering - by 1.1%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed an increase of 2.9% in the construction production compared to the same month of 2023. A rise was registered in the civil engineering - by 6.1%, and in the specialized construction ...

In July 2024, the total consumer confidence indicator increases by 5.6 percentage points compared to its April level (from -14.0% to -8.4%). An improvement of the consumer confidence among both urban and rural inhabitants – by 4.5 and 8.8 percentage points respectively is reported.

The total production index in Services of the business economy in May 2024 decreased by 0.4% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Compared to May 2023, an increase of 3.5% was registered in the calendar-adjusted index according to preliminary data.

In June 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 1.4% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was reported in all major groups: ‘Retail sales of non-food products (except fuel)’ - by 1.9%, ‘Retail sales of automotive fuel in specialised stores’ - by 1.0% and ‘Retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco’ - by 0.9%.

The trade turnover increased by 4.3% compared to the same month of 2023 according to the calendar-adjusted data.

In June 2024, com...

In the second quarter of 2024, the municipal authorities issued building permits for the construction of 1 935 residential buildings with 10 271 dwellings, 16 administrative buildings/offices and 1 173 other buildings.

The issued building permits for new residential buildings and other buildings decreased by 4.9% and 14.6% respectively as compared to the second quarter of 2023. There was a 14.3% increase in the number of building permits issued for administrative buildings.

The construction of 1 703 residential buildi...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 0.4% in June 2024 compared to the previous month. Drop of 2.2% was registered in the mining and quarrying industry, in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 0.6%, and in the manufacturing industry - by 0.2%. 

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market went down by 0.9% in June 2024 compared to May 2024. The domestic prices decreased in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 2.8%, while in the manufacturing industry increased&nbs...

In July 2024, the total business climate indicator decreases by 1.5 percentage points compared to the previous month. A reduction of the indicator is observed in industry, construction and retail trade, and in service sector preserves approximately its June level.

The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, insufficient demand and costs of materials continue to be the main factors limiting the business development in the sectors.

In 2022, the number of active enterprises in Bulgaria was 394 135, which is 3.2% more compared to the previous year, 2021. The newborn enterprises are 39 445, or 10.0% of the total number of enterprises in the selected economic sectors. Almost 83.1% of the enterprises born in 2021 survive one year later, as in the group of ‘5 - 9 employees’ this share is highest - 93.9%.

In June 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 854.6 thousand, or 8.1% above the registered in June 2023. The trips with other purposes formed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 42.8%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 40.7%, and with professional purposes - 16.5%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 1 472.9 thousand, or 5.8% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. The predominant share of the visits was with holiday and recreation pur...

In the second quarter of 2024, the newly registered legal entities in the country were 11 328, and those declared bankrupt - 1 005. Compared to the same quarter of 2023, the total number of newly registered increased by 2.7%, and that of bankrupts - by 2.1%.

The distribution by economic sectors shows that the relative share of newly registered legal entities is the largest in sector G ‘Trade; car and motorcycle repair’ - 88.6% of all newly registered units in the second quarter of 2023. Among the companies declaring bankrupt, the largest share is in sector...

In the period January - April 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 6.4% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 17 680.1 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 2.4% and amounted to 19 019.1 million BGN.

In April 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU grew by 11.5% compared to the same month of 2023 and amounted to 4 770.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods from...

The total production index in Services of the business economy in April 2024 increased by 1.7% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Compared to April 2023, an increase of 6.0% was registered in the calendar-adjusted index according to preliminary data.

In May 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices decreased by 0.8% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was reported in ‘Retail sales of non-food products (except fuel)’ - by 9.7% and in ‘Retail sales of automotive fuel in specialised stores’ - by 3.4%, while ‘Retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco’ kept the level of the previous month.

The calendar-adjusted data show that the turnover rose by 1.6% compared to May 2023.

In May 2024, compar...

During the period 2020 - 2022, 26.1% of the enterprises with 10 or more persons employed carried out an innovation activity. The innovation activity of the enterprises in the industrial sector (32.9%) was higher than of those in the services sector (19.6%). The largest share of innovation active enterprises was in the group of large enterprises (with 250 or more persons employed) - 72.3% in industry and 66.5% in services. 

In 2022, the turnover of innovation active enterprises constituted 51.9% of the turnover, and the persons employed - 51.8% of the persons employed in all e...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry rose by 2.7% in May 2024 compared to the previous month and fell by 1.2% compared to May 2023.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market increased by 4.5% in May compared to April 2024 and went down by 4.3% compared to May 2023.

In June 2024, the total business climate indicator decreases by 0.9 percentage points in comparison with May, which is due to the unfavourable business climate in the retail trade and in the service sector.

The most serious difficulties for the activity of the enterprises in the sectors remain connected with the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, costs of materials and insufficient demand.

In May 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 808.3 thousand, or 4.6% above the registered in May 2023. The trips with other purposes formed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 41.0%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 40.4%, and with professional purposes - 18.6%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 992.4 thousand, or 6.6% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. Тhe predominant share of the visits was with other purposes - 47.9%, followed by trips with hol...

Dear users, due to a technical issue with Information system ‘Foreign trade’ when computing the data for the period January - March 2024, it was necessary to update the information.

Thank you for your understanding and we would like to apologize for the inconvenience.

In the period January - March 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 11.7% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 12 909.6 million BGN, while the imports of goods ...

Dear users, due to a technical issue with Information system ‘Foreign trade’ when computing the data for the period January - April 2024, it was necessary to update the information.

Thank you for your understanding and we would like to apologize for the inconvenience.

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 4.9% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 9 795.9 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries increased by 0.9% and...

In April 2024, 2 267 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 68.5 thousand rooms and 143.6 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the accommodation establishments increased by 1.3% and the bed-places in them decreased by 0.5%.

The total number of nights spent was 1 012.4 thousand, or 2.0% less in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodati...

In April 2024, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section decreased by 0.7% compared to the previous month. A decrease was seen in the civil engineering - by 1.3%, in the production of specialized construction activities - by 0.7%, and in the production of building construction - by 0.3%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed an increase of 2.8% in the construction production compared to the same month of 2023. A rise was registered in the specialized construction activities - by 6.9%, and in the civil en...

The Industrial Production Index increased by 3.3% in April 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

In April 2024, compared to the previous month, a growth was seen in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 13.8%, in the mining and quarrying industry - by 4.2%, and in the manufacturing - by 0.9%.

In comparison with April 2023, a decrease of 0.3% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop of the Industrial Production Index was o...

The total production index in Services of the business economy in March 2024 remained unchanged compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

During March 2024, the production index in Services of the business economy increased by 3.2% compared to the same month of 2023. The data are preliminary and calendar-adjusted.

In April 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 1.9% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was reported in all major groups: ‚Retail sales of non-food products (except fuel)’ - by 6.8%, ‘Retail sales of automotive fuel in specialised stores’ - by 2.3% and ‘Retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco’ - by 1.2%.

The calendar-adjusted turnover rose by 9.9% compared to April 2023.

In April 2024, compared to the same month of 2...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 0.1% in April 2024 compared to the previous month. Lower prices were registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 4.5%. An increase was observed in the mining and quarrying industry - by 6.1%, and in the manufacturing industry - by 0.9%.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market decreased by 0.8% in April 2024 compared to March 2024. The domestic prices went down in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 4.1%. An increas...

In May 2024, the total business climate indicator increases by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month. An improvement of the indicator is observed in the construction, retail trade and service sector, while in the industry a reduction is registered.

The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, costs of materials and the insufficient demand continue to be the main obstacles to business development in the sectors.

In April 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 707.9 thousand, or 4.9% above the registered in April 2023. The trips with other purposes formed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 40.0%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 38.2%, and with professional purposes - 21.8%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 793.3 thousand, or 1.1% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. Тhe predominant share of the visits was with other purposes - 51.8%, followed by trips with...

In the first quarter of 2024 the goods carried by freight land and water transport rose by 0.9%, while the transport performance declined by 5.3% in comparison with the same quarter of 2023. The data are preliminary.

Compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, the number of passengers transported by passenger transport (land, water and urban electrical transport) rose by 13.4%. The transport performance also increased by 11.9%, compared to first quarter of 2023.

First quarter of 2024, compared to same quarter of 2023:

• Th...

In the first quarter of 2024, 1 068.5 thousand Bulgarian residents made tourist trips. The majority of them - 74.9% travelled only in the country, 19.5% - only abroad, and 5.6% - both in the country and abroad. Compared to the same quarter of 2023, the total number of travelled persons aged 15 and over increased by 5.7%.

In the period January - February 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 12.6% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 8 343.6 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU grew by 0.5% and reached 9 467.4 million BGN.

In February 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 7.8% compared to the same month of 2023 and amounted to 4 249.1 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU ...

In March 2024, 2 213 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation, with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 62.9 thousand rooms and 130.0 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the accommodation establishments increased by 4.2% and the bed-places in them - by 4.7%.

The total number of nights spent was 1 074.8 thousand, or by 4.6% more in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments in...

The Industrial Production Index decreased by 1.0% in March 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was registered in the in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 5.5%, in the manufacturing - by 1.2%, while an increase was registered in the mining and quarrying industry - by 1.2%.

In comparison with March 2023, a decline of 7.6% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the minin...

In March 2024, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 0.3% compared to the previous month. An increase was seen in the production of specialized construction activities - by 0.8%, and in the production of building construction - by 0.7%. In the civil engineering, a decrease of 1.0% was observed. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed an increase of 3.7% in the construction production compared to the same month of 2023. A rise was registered in the specialized construction activities - by 7.9%, and in the civi...

In April 2024, the total consumer confidence indicator increases by 1.5 percentage points in comparison with January (from -15.5% to -14.0%). An increase of consumer confidence among both urban and rural inhabitants - by 1.3 and 1.6 percentage points, respectively, is reported.

The total production index in Services of the business economy increased by 0.1% in February 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

During February 2024, the production index in Services of the business economy increased by 3.6% compared to the same month of 2023. The data are preliminary and calendar-adjusted.

In March 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices decreased by 0.6% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

А decrease was observed in all major groups: the non-food products (except fuel) - by 2.3%, the food, beverages and tobacco - by 0.8% and the automotive fuel - by 0.4%.

The calendar-adjusted turnover rose by 0.3% compared to the same month in 2023.

In March 2024, compared to the same month of 2023, an increase in turnover was registered in the food, beverages a...

In the first quarter of 2024, the municipal authorities issued building permits for the construction of 1 823 residential buildings with 10 487 dwellings, 27 administrative buildings/offices and 1 094 other buildings.

The issued building permits for new residential buildings increased by 4.3% as compared to the first quarter of 2023. The issued building permits for administrative buildings and other buildings rose by 42.1% and 5.7%, respectively.

The construction of 1 389 residential buildings with 9 089 dwellings, 6 admin...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 1.6% in March 2024 compared to the previous month. Lower prices were registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 8.2%. An increase was observed in the mining and quarrying industry - by 6.3%, and in the manufacturing industry - by 0.1%.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market decreased by 3.3% in March 2024 compared to February 2024. The domestic prices went down in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 9.1%, and in ...

In March 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 679.1 thousand, or 19.1% above the registered in March 2023.

The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visiting cultural and sports events) composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 53.2%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 29.4%, and with professional purposes - 17.4%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 756.5 thousand, or 7.2% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year....

In April 2024, the total business climate indicator increases by 1.8 percentage points in comparison with March, as a growth of the indicator is registered in all observed sectors - industry, construction, retail trade and services.

The most serious obstacles for the activity of the enterprises in the sectors remain connected with the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, costs of materials and insufficient demand.

In the first quarter of 2024, the newly registered legal entities in the country were 12 229, and those declared bankrupt - 992. Compared to the same quarter of 2023, the total number of newly registered decreased by 7.4%, and that of bankrupts - by 14.1%.

The distribution by economic sectors shows that the relative share of newly registered legal entities is the largest in sector G ‘Trade; car and motorcycle repair’ - 88.4% of all newly registered units in the second quarter of 2023. Among the companies declaring bankrupt, the largest share is in sector G ‘Tra...

In January 2024, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 17.0% compared to January 2023 and amounted to 4 094.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 0.5% and reached 4 556.7 million BGN.

The most notable growth in the exports of goods to the EU compared to the same month of 2023 was recorded in the section ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (38.3%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials’ (54.3%). The largest gr...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 9.3% compared to the same period of 2023 and amounted to 4 465.0 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries dropped by 13.2% and added up to 5 886.5 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth in the exports was recorded in the sections ‘Chemical and related products n.e.c.’ (12.9%) and ‘Crude materials, inedible (except fuel)’ (7.9%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (47.6%). The largest growth in the i...

The Industrial Production Index in February 2024 remains unchanged compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 9.8%, in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 0.8%, while an increase was registered  in the manufacturing - by 2.9%.

In comparison with February 2023, a decline of 8.3% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the mining...

In February 2024, 2 177 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 62.2 thousand rooms and 128.4 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with the same month of the previous year, the accommodation establishments increased by 5.1% and the bed-places in them - by 3.5%.

The total number of nights spent was 1 181.9 thousand, or by 1.2% less in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments ...

In February 2024, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 1.4% compared to the previous month. An increase was seen in the production of specialised construction activities - by 2.6%, in the civil engineering - by 1.2%, and in the production of building construction - by 0.5%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed an increase of 3.3% in the construction production compared to the same month of 2023. A rise was registered in the civil engineering - by 8.1%, and in the specialised construction activities - by 6...

Since 2024 NSI has started publishing monthly Indices of production in services in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council for European Business Statistics. The purpose of the production index is to measure changes in the volume of output at monthly intervals.

Production indices in services are calculated by deflating the turnover indices for each activity with the corresponding producer price indices.

The total production index in Services of the business economy increased by 0.8% in January 20...

In February 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 0.9% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Аn increase was observed in the food, beverages and tobacco, and in the non-food products (except fuel) - by 2.8% and 1.4%, respectively. A downgrade by 0.7% was registered in the automotive fuel.

The calendar-adjusted turnover rose by 3.2% compared to the same month in 2023.

Аn increase in turnover was registered in the food, beverages and tobacco ...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 0.6% in February 2024 compared to the previous month. Lower prices were registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 7.1%. Increase was observed in the mining and quarrying industry by 4.1%, and in the manufacturing industry by 1.4%.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market decreased by 1.5% in February 2024 compared to January 2024. The domestic prices went down in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 6.8%. In the mining and quarrying indus...

In March 2024, the total business climate indicator remains approximately to its February level. An increase of the indicator is observed in the retail trade and service sector, while in the industry and construction a reduction is registered.

The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, insufficient demand and costs of materials continue to be the main factors limiting the business development in the sectors.

In February 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 499.0 thousand, or 10.7% above the registered in February 2023.

The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visiting cultural and sports events) composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 49.4%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 26.6%, and with professional purpose - 23.0%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 698.9 thousand, or 15.6% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. The pred...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 11.6% compared to January 2023 and amounted to 2 147.0 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries dropped by 18.2% and added up to 2 911.1 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth in the exports was recorded in the sections ‘Crude materials, inedible (except fuel)’ (35.7%) and ‘Chemical and related products n.e.c.’ (13.9%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (66.5%). The largest growth in the imports of...

In 2023, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 9.0% compared to 2022 and amounted to 55 142.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 2.5% and reached 58 124.8 million BGN.

In December 2023, the exports to the EU decreased by 7.8% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year and amounted to 3 898.2 million BGN, while the imports fell by 2.8% and added up to 4 763.6 million BGN.

The most notable growth in the exports ...

In January 2024, 2 171 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 62.4 thousand rooms and 128.9 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with January 2023, the accommodation establishments increased by 5.1% and the bed-places in them - by 5.9%.

The total number of nights spent was 1 030.9 thousand, or by 0.2% less in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments increased by 1.7% and re...

In January 2024, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 1.0% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed an increase of 0.7% in construction production compared to the same month of 2023.

The Industrial Production Index decreased by 2.5% in January 2024 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 10.7%, in the manufacturing - by 2.5%, and in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 0.8%.

In comparison with January 2023, a decline of 7.5% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the manufacturing - by 10....

In January 2024, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 0.3% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

Аn increase was observed in the non-food products (except fuel) and in the food, beverages and tobacco - by 2.2% and 0.2%, respectively. A downgrade was registered in the automotive fuel - by 5.3%.

The calendar-adjusted turnover kept the level of the same month in 2023.

А decrease was registered in the automotive fuel in specialised stores - by 13.2%, and in ...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 1.8% in January 2024 compared to the previous month. Lower prices were registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 6.5%, in the mining and quarrying industry by 2.6%, and in the manufacturing industry by 0.2%.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market decreased by 1.8% in January 2024 compared to December 2023. The domestic prices went down in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 5.7%, and in the mining and quarrying industry by 1.9%. In the...

In February 2024, the total business climate indicator preserves approximately its level from the previous month. An increase of the indicator is observed in the industry, while in the construction and retail trade preserves its level from January. Only in the service sector, a reduction is registered.

The most serious obstacles for the activity of the enterprises in the sectors remain connected with the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, costs of materials and insufficient demand.

In January 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 537.5 thousand, or 6.6% above the registered in January 2023.

The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visiting cultural and sports events) composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 50.3%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 27.1%, and with professional purpose - 22.6%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 741.3 thousand, or 4.1% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year. The predomin...

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the goods carried by freight land and water transport rose by 3.8%, while the transport performance declined by 16.8% in comparison with the same quarter of 2022. The data are preliminary.

The number of passengers carried by the passenger transport (land, water and urban electrical transport) decreased by 5.9%. The transport performance also recorded a decline of 0.3%.

Fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter of 2022:

• The transported goods by land transport increased by 3.2%, while the transport...

In the fourth quarter of 2023, 1 165.5 thousand Bulgarian residents made tourist trips. The majority of them - 78.5%, travelled only in the country, 18.2% - only abroad, and 3.3% - both in the country and abroad. Compared to the same quarter of 2022, the total number of travelled persons aged 15 and over increased by 13.5%.

The turnover index in the section ‘Transportation, storage and post’ increased by 2.9% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. In the section ‘Information and communication’, an increase of 3.9% was registered. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the turnover index in the section ‘Transportation, storage and post’ decreased by 0.8% compared to the same quarter of 2022. In the section ‘Information and communication’ a growth of 13.8% was repo...

In December 2023, 2 229 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 63.6 thousand rooms and 132.0 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with December 2022, the accommodation establishments increased by 0.2% and the bed-places in them - by 3.0%.

The total number of nights spent was 995.8 thousand, or by 2.9% more in comparison to a year earlier, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments increased by 4...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 2.9% compared to 2022 and amounted to 31 385.5 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries dropped by 19.7% and added up to 38 766.8 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth was recorded in the sections ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (28.5%) and ‘Food and live animals’ (22.1%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials’ (29.6%). The largest growth in the imports of goods from third countries wa...

In December 2023, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section decreased by 0.4% compared to the previous month. The production of building construction fell by 1.2%, while the production of civil engineering rose by 0.7%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed a decrease of 3.6% in construction production compared to the same month of 2022. A decrease was registered both in building construction by 4.5% and in civil engineering - by 2.4%.

The Industrial Production Index increased by 3.3% in December 2023 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was seen in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 11.1%, in the mining and quarrying industry - by 9.4%, and in the manufacturing - by 0.9%.

In comparison with December 2022, a decline of 6.9% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the manufacturing - by 8.9%, and in the min...

In the period January - November 2023, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 9.0% compared to the same period of 2022 and amounted to 51 278.9 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 2.5% and reached 53 340.3 million BGN.

In November 2023, the exports to the EU decreased by 16.5% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year and amounted to 4 520.0 million BGN, while the imports fell by 8.4% and added up to 5 081.6 million...

In January 2024, the total consumer confidence indicator increases by 6.7 percentage points compared to its October 2023 level. An increase of consumer confidence among both urban and rural inhabitants - by 8.8 and 2.0 percentage points, respectively, is reported.

In December 2023, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices decreased by 0.6% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was registered in ‘Retail sale of non-food products (except fuel)’ - by 2.7%, and there was an increase by 1.1% in ‘Food, beverages and tobacco’, while the turnover in ‘Automotive fuel in specialised stores’ kept the level of the previous month.

The calendar-adjusted turnover grew by 0.7% compared to the same month in 2022.

A rise by 9.2% was obse...

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the municipal authorities issued building permits for the construction of 2 275 residential buildings with 16 788 dwellings, 22 administrative buildings/offices and 1 261 other buildings.

The issued building permits for new residential buildings increased by 19.0% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The issued building permits for administrative buildings and other buildings rose by 22.2% and 6.6% respectively.

The construction of 1 535 residential buildings with 7 382 dwellings, 8 administrative buildings/offices and ...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry fell by 0.6% in December 2023 compared to the previous month. Lower prices were registered in the manufacturing industry by 0.8%, and in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 0.4%. The mining and quarrying industry marked a rise of 2.6%.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market decreased by 0.4% in December compared to November 2023. The domestic prices went down in the manufacturing industry by 0.7% and in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 0.3%, while ...

In January 2024, the total business climate indicator increases by 3.0 percentage points in comparison with December 2023, as a growth of the indicator is registered in all observed sectors - industry, construction, retail trade and services.

The uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch, insufficient demand and costs of materials continue to be the main factors limiting the business development in the sectors.

In December 2023, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 649.1 thousand, or 7.3% above the registered in December 2022.

The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visiting cultural and sports events) composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 44.8%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 33.5%, and with professional purpose - 21.7%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 785.4 thousand, or 3.1% more in comparison with the same month of the previous y...

In the forth quarter of 2023, the newly registered legal entities in the country are 10 633, and those declared bankrupt - 977. Compared to the same quarter of 2022, the total number of newly registered decreased by 2.4%, and that of bankrupts - by 14.9%.

The distribution by economic sectors shows that the relative share of newly registered legal entities is the largest in sector G ‘Trade; car and motorcycle repair’ – 88.4% of all newly registered units in the second quarter of 2023. Among the companies declaring bankrupt, the largest share is in sector G ‘Trad...

In the period January - October 2023, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 8.2% compared to the same period of 2022 and amounted to 46 758.9 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 1.8% and reached 48 258.7 million BGN.

In October 2023, the exports to the EU decreased by 15.6% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year and amounted to 4 596.0 million BGN, while the imports fell b...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 3.5% compared to the period January - November 2022 and amounted to 28 782.0 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries dropped by 20.3% and added up to 35 707.8 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth was recorded in the sections ‘Beverages and tobacco’ (22.0%) and ‘Food and live animals’ (21.4%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials’ (30.9%). The largest growth in the impor...

In November 2023, 2 066 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 59.6 thousand rooms and 123.1 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with November 2022, the accommodation establishments decreased by 0.3% and the bed-places in them increased by 4.1%.

The total number of nights spent was 855.2 thousand and stays approximately at the same level in comparison with November 2022 (855.0 thousand).

The number of arrival...

In November 2023, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section decreased by 0.6% compared to the previous month. The production of civil engineering fell by 1.5% and the production of building construction - by 0.1%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed a decrease of 3.0% in construction production compared to the same month of 2022. A decrease was registered in civil engineering - by 6.7%, while no change was observed in building construction.

The Industrial Production Index decreased by 3.2% in November 2023 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A decrease was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 5.6%, in the manufacturing - by 2.7%, and in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 1.8%.

In comparison with November 2022, a decline of 10.9% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the electricity, gas, steam a...

In November 2023, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 0.5% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was registered in ‘Retail sale of non-food products (except fuel)’ - by 2.4%, and in ‘Food, beverages and tobacco’ - by 1.2%, while in ‘Automotive fuel in specialised stores’ was observed а decrease - by 3.5%.  

The calendar-adjusted turnover grew by 3.2% compared to the same month in 2022.

A rise was observed in ‘Retail sale of food, bevera...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry rose by 0.5% in November 2023 compared to the previous month. An increase of 2.5% was registered in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and in the mining and quarrying industry by 1.1%. In the manufacturing industry the prices fell by 0.2%.

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market increased by 0.7% in November compared to October 2023. The domestic prices went up in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 2.9%, and in the mining and quarrying industry by 2.3%...

In December 2023, the total business climate indicator decreases by 1.8 percentage points compared to the previous month, which is due to the unfavourable business climate in the construction, retail trade and service sector. Only in the industry, the indicator preserves approximately its November level.

The main difficulties for the activity in the sectors remain the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch and costs of materials.

In November 2023, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 574.0 thousand, or 14.5% above the registered in November 2022.

The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visiting cultural and sports events) composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 50.7%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 25.1%, and with professional purpose - 24.2%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 694.4 thousand, or 3.4% more in comparison with the same month of the previous ...

The exports of goods from Bulgaria to third countries decreased by 1.5% compared to the period January - October 2022 and amounted to 26 280.3 million BGN, while the imports of goods from third countries dropped by 21.0% and added up to 32 181.8 million BGN.

Тhe most notable growth in the exports of goods to third countries compared to the period January - October 2022 was recorded in the sections ‘Food and live animals’ (22.2%) and ‘Machinery and transport equipment’ (22.1%). The most notable fall was reported in the section ‘Min...

In the period January - September  2023, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 7.3% compared to the same period of 2022 and amounted to 42 162.9 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 1.8% and reached  43 117.7 million BGN.

In September 2023, the exports to the EU decreased by 13.9% compared to the corresponding month of the previous  year  and  amounted  to  4 575.8  million  BGN, while the imports &nb...

In October 2023, 2 232 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 70.7 thousand rooms and 150.6 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with October 2022, the accommodation establishments increased by 1.4% and the bed-places in them - by 5.5%.

The total number of nights spent was 1 066.6 thousand, or by 4.4% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishments i...

The Industrial Production Index increased by 2.6% in October 2023 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A growth was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 9.7%, in the manufacturing - by 1.6%, while in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply there was a decrease - by 3.2%.

In comparison with October 2022, a drop of 5.4% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a decrease in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the electr...

In 2023, 96.3% of the non-financial enterprises with 10 or more persons employed had internet access. Fixed internet connection was available in 89.2% of the enterprises and the maximum download speed in 46.6% was more than 100 Mbps.

The relative share of the persons employed who had access to the internet was 39.7%. The most persons employed who used the internet were found in sector ‘Information and communication’ (92.2%) and least - in sector ‘Manufacturing’ (25.5%).

In 2023, 38.0% of the companies used social media, and 20.9% paid to advertise o...

The annual growth tendency of the relative share of households with internet access was retained and in 2023, 88.5% of the households in Bulgaria had internet access at home. Over a ten-year period the relative share increased by 31.8 percentage points.

79.8% of the individuals aged between 16 and 74 years used the internet every day or at least once a week at home, work or other places, and the share of people who had never surfed the internet decreased to 11.8%.

The most preferred device to access the internet was the mobile phone (incl. smartphone) which was used by 7...

In October 2023, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section increased by 0.2% compared to the previous month. The production of civil engineering rose by 0.3% and the production of building construction - by 0.1%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed a decrease of 1.0% in construction production compared to the same month of 2022. A decrease was registered in civil engineering - by 2.7%, while in building construction, an increase of 0.3% was seen.

In October 2023, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices increased by 1.0% compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was noted in all major groups: ‘Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores’ - by 3.2%, ‘Retail sale of non-food products (except fuel)’ - by 1.4%, and ‘Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco’ - by 0.9%.

The calendar-adjusted turnover grew by 3.1% compared to the same month in 2022.

An increase was observed in ‘Retail s...

The Total Producer Price Index in Industry decreased by 0.9% in October 2023 compared to the previous month. Lower prices were registered in the mining and quarrying industry by 4.3%, and in the manufacturing industry by 1.2%. The prices went up in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 0.3%. 

The Producer Price Index on the Domestic Market decreased by 0.6% in October compared to September 2023. The domestic prices went down in the mining and quarrying industry by 2.4%, and in the manufacturing industry by 1.0%. The price...

In November 2023, the total business climate indicator remains approximately to its October level. An increase of the indicator is observed in the construction and service sector, while in the industry, a decrease is observed. Only in the retail trade, the indicator preserves its level from the previous month.

The main obstacles for business development in the sectors are connected with the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour, competition in the branch and costs of materials.

In October 2023, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 694.0 thousand, or 15.8% above the registered in October 2022.

The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visiting cultural and sports events) composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 42.2%, followed by those with holiday and recreation purposes - 37.8%, and with professional purpose - 20.0%.

The number of visits of non-residents to Bulgaria was 898.9 thousand, or 6.1% more in comparison with the same month of the previous ye...

In the third quarter of 2023, the goods carried by freight land and water transport rose by 15.7% and the transport performance by 4.4% in comparison with the same quarter of 2022. The data are preliminary.

The number of passengers carried by passenger transport (land, water and urban electrical transport) increased by 4.9% in the second quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, the transport performance recorded a decline of 4.0%.

The third quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter of 2022:

• In the third quarter of 2023, the transported goods by t...

The turnover index in the section ‘Transportation, storage and post’ decreased by 1.3% for the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. In the section ‘Information and communication’, the index remained unchanged. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

During the third quarter of 2023, the turnover index in the section ‘Transportation, storage and post’ decreased by 5.0% compared to the same quarter of 2022. The turnover in the section ‘Information and communication’ rose by 12.8%. The da...

In the third quarter of 2023, 1 822.3 thousand Bulgarian residents made tourist trips. The majority of them - 72.5% travelled only in the country, 20.7% - only abroad, and 6.8% - both in the country and abroad. Compared to the same quarter of 2022, the total number of travelled persons aged 15 and over increased by 4.2%.

In September 2023, 3 214 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with 10 or more bed-places, functioned in the country with 139.7 thousand rooms and 315.6 thousand bed-places in them. In comparison with September 2022, the accommodation establishments increased by 2.9% and the bed-places in them - by 4.1%.

The total number of nights spent was 2 923.9 thousand, or by 15.9% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year, and the number of arrivals in all accommodation establishm...

The Industrial Production Index went down by 2.7% in September 2023 compared to the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

A drop was seen in the mining and quarrying industry - by 3.2%, in the manufacturing - by 3.1%, and in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - by 0.5%.

In comparison with September 2022, a drop of 11.5% was registered in the calendar-adjusted Industrial Production Index.

On an annual basis, a drop in the Industrial Production Index was observed in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning ...

In September 2023, the turnover in ‘Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles’ at constant prices kept the level of the previous month. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

An increase was noted in ‘Retail sale of automotive fuel in specialised stores’ - by 3.3%, while in ‘Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco’ and in ‘Retail sale of non-food products (except fuel)’ was observed a decrease by 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.

The calendar-adjusted turnover was unchanged compared to the same month in 2022.

An increase was reported in ‘Reta...

In September 2023, the index of production in the ‘Construction’ section decreased by 0.4% compared to the previous month. The production of building construction fell by 0.4% and the production of civil engineering - by 0.3%. The data are preliminary and seasonally adjusted.

The calendar-adjusted data showed a decrease of 1.9% in construction production compared to the same month of 2022. A decrease was registered both in civil engineering - by 3.7%, and in building construction - by 0.4%.

In the period January - August 2023, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to the EU decreased by 6.6% compared to the same period of 2022 and amounted to 37 525.0 million BGN, while the imports of goods from the EU decreased by 0.6% and is worth to 38 489.2 million BGN.

In August 2023, the exports to the EU decreased by 11.1% compared to the corresponding month of the previous  year  and  amounted  to 4 370.9 million  BGN,  while  the imports  fell &...