Bulgaria's trade deficit widened sharply in June 2026, reaching EUR 1,010.7 million from EUR 575.9 million a year earlier, as import growth outpaced export gains. Imports rose 22.1% year on year to EUR 5,175.5 million, supported by higher purchases from the EU (European Union) and especially non-EU countries, where imports increased 40.4%. Exports also grew, up 13.7% to EUR 4,164.8 million, with sales expanding to both EU and non-EU markets. Over the first six months of 2026, imports climbed 14.4% to EUR 29,381.2 million, led by stronger inflows from Kazakhstan, Turkey and China, as well as large increases in raw materials excluding fuels, mineral fuels, oils and similar products, and machinery, equipment and vehicles. Exports for the same period rose 8.5% to EUR 22,968.4 million, helped by stronger shipments to China, Serbia and the United Kingdom, alongside higher sales of chemical substances and products and miscellaneous finished products.