EC Revises Up Economic Growth Forecast for Bulgaria in 2021, Down for 2022

The European Commission released Wednesday its Summer 2021 interim Economic Forecast about the European economy, according to which Bulgaria's real GDP growth is expected to reach 4.6 per cent in 2021 and 4.1 per cent in 2022.

Compared to the Spring Forecast, the annual real GDP growth in Bulgaria rate is 1.1 pp. higher in 2021 and 0.6 pps. lower in 2022. The upward revision in 2021 reflects mainly the strong recovery in the first quarter of this year, while strong base effects explain the downward revision in 2022.

The risks to the forecast are broadly balanced. On the upside, consumer demand may prove stronger than projected. On the downside, given the relatively slow rate of COVID-19 vaccination in the country, subsequent lockdown periods may be needed. Inflation is set to accelerate to 1.9 per cent in 2021 on the back of higher assumed energy prices and some second-round effects from increased fuel prices.

Non-energy industrial goods and processed food are also forecast to sustain stronger price dynamics. In 2022, Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) inflation is expected to reach 2.5 per cent, supported by aggregate demand. Despite continued pandemic-related restrictions to economic activity, real GDP grew by 2.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2021, driven by exports and private consumption.

Consumer confidence reached pre-crisis levels in April and May, suggesting further improvements in domestic consumer demand this year. In 2022, household consumption is projected to continue to expand, in line with the improving situation of the labour market. Exports of goods and services are forecast to follow the favourable developments in external demand and the lifting of containment measures. The start of the...