Textiles and Apparel in Bulgaria
The industry today
- The textile, apparel and leather sector employed 57,252 people in September 2025. Between 6,000 and 7,000 jobs were lost during 2025 and employment fell 10–11%.
- The average gross salary is €766.94 a month, among the lowest in Bulgarian manufacturing.
- Prices paid by brands to contract manufacturers are still at 2018–2019 levels, while wages and energy costs have risen.
- Germany, Italy and France are the main markets, and weak consumer demand there has hit orders. Some foreign investors have moved production to North Africa and Asia.
Source: BTA: Textile industry enters 2026 with growing pessimism (28 February 2026)1
Textile output was 22% lower in August 2026 than a year earlier.2
Where the opportunities are
The industry association BATOK has asked for state support. Firms that remain are moving towards shorter runs, quick delivery to EU customers, technical textiles and their own brands, where closeness to the market matters more than the lowest wage.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people work in Bulgaria’s textile and apparel sector?
Bulgaria’s textile, apparel and leather sector employed 57,252 people in September 2025. Between 6,000 and 7,000 jobs were lost during 2025, and employment fell by 10–11%.
How much did Bulgaria’s textile and apparel exports change in 2025?
Bulgaria’s textile and apparel exports fell by 8–10% in January–September 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Germany, Italy and France are the main markets, where weak consumer demand has hit orders.
How much did textile output in Bulgaria fall in August 2026?
Textile output in Bulgaria was 22% lower in August 2026 than in August 2025. Weak consumer demand in Germany, Italy and France has also hit orders for the industry.
Sources
- BTA: Textile industry enters 2026 with growing pessimism (28 February 2026)
- BTA: Industrial production down 5.4% in August 2026 (9 October 2026)
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
