Bulgaria’s economy expanded by 2.7% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, with strong household consumption and rising investment continuing to support growth, according to express estimates from the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
On a seasonally adjusted basis, GDP increased by 0.6% compared with the first quarter. In nominal terms, economic output between April and June reached 29.68 billion euros, while gross value added stood at 25.72 billion euros.
Domestic consumption remained the largest component of the economy. Final consumption rose by 7.6% compared with the second quarter of 2025 and by 1.6% from the previous quarter. It accounted for 81.9% of GDP, or 24.31 billion euros.
Investment also recorded solid growth. Gross fixed capital formation increased by 8% year-on-year and by 1.8% compared with the first quarter. Total gross capital formation amounted to 6.52 billion euros, representing 22% of GDP.
Foreign trade, however, continued to weigh on the economy. Exports of goods and services declined by 2.8% from a year earlier, while imports increased by 6.9%, leaving Bulgaria with a negative foreign trade balance.
