In the year (2022) when Russia invaded Ukraine, the defending country became the second most important destination for Bulgarian exports outside the EU, replacing traditional trade partners such as Serbia and the United States, data of the National Statistical Institute show. Exports to Ukraine have reached a record EUR 1.15 billion compared to EUR 406 million in 2021. Fuels, mainly diesel, accounted for more than half of Bulgaria’s exports to Ukraine, followed by medicines, sanitary and hygienic materials and food.

Turkey remains Bulgaria's biggest trading partner outside the EU, having imported Bulgarian goods worth EUR 2.78 billion. Serbia is the third most important destination for Bulgarian exports outside the EU. Bulgarian exports to Serbia reached EUR 1.13 billion in 2022.