Bulgaria: Fish and Seafood Market Brief Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s fish and seafood imports have grown steadily over the past decade and have nearly doubled. Bulgarian fish and seafood importers are seeking to expand the variety of fish available to consumers, particularly among the mid and high-value categories. In 2023 Bulgaria imported a record $169.5 million in fish and seafood products, up six percent from 2022. Imports from the United States consisted mainly of live lobsters, Alaska pollock, and products of fish or crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. The foodservice sector, which was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, is an important driver of fish and seafood demand growth in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s per capita fish and seafood consumption is still below the EU average.