Bulgaria: Direct Versus Indirect Trade - Bulgaria's Market for US Agricultural Exports

In 2024, Bulgarian imports from the United States were nearly $100 million, slightly lower than in 2023, but still up over 50 percent since 2019. Imports of U.S. products were driven by several product groups such as U.S. beef, tree and ground nuts, food preparations, whiskies, essential oils, and rubber. The U.S. Census Bureau’s (USCB) export data tracks U.S. food and agricultural trade shipped directly to Bulgaria. However, it does not measure the substantial level of U.S. agricultural trade to Bulgaria routed through other European ports of entry, mainly in Western Europe. According to U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. suppliers exported $32.6 million of U.S. food, beverages and agricultural products to Bulgaria in 2024, at the same level as in 2023. However, when including indirect shipments, the total number rises to $99 million.