This article presents a brief summary of Bulgaria’s trade with two major European partners: Turkey and England. The data is based on a detailed study published by the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture. The figures cover three five-year periods: 1890–1894, 1895–1899, and 1900–1904. The analysis focuses on imports, exports, total trade, and the balance of trade.
Trade Relations Between Bulgaria and Turkey
Imports and Exports
Trade between Bulgaria and Turkey remained strong throughout all three periods. Imports into Bulgaria from Turkey were 10.6 million francs in the first period. This figure fell to 8.4 million francs in the second period but rose again to 11 million francs in the period 1900–1904.
Exports from Bulgaria to Turkey were always higher than imports. They reached 22.3 million francs in the first period, decreased slightly in the second period, and rose again to 22.6 million francs in the last period. As a result, total trade between the two countries was highest during the final period.
Balance of Trade
The balance of trade was always in favor of Bulgaria. Exports exceeded imports in all three periods. The surplus reached about 11.7 million francs in the first period, 10.2 million francs in the second, and 11.6 million francs in the last period. This shows a stable and profitable trade relationship.
Main Articles Traded
Imports from Turkey included oil, fats, wax and wax products, textile goods, jams and preserves, colonial products, fruits, vegetables, seeds, foodstuffs, hides, and leather goods.
Exports to Turkey mainly consisted of sheep and goats, wheat and corn, wheat flour, cheese, linen and woollen fabrics, cattle, and maize.
Trade Relations Between Bulgaria and England
Imports and Exports
Imports from England into Bulgaria were highest during the first period, reaching 18.8 million francs. They declined steadily in the following periods, falling to 14 million francs in the last period.
Exports from Bulgaria to England followed the opposite trend. They increased from 13.6 million francs in the first period to 18.2 million francs during 1900–1904. This shows growing demand in England for Bulgarian products Guided Istanbul Tour.
Balance of Trade
During the first two periods, the balance of trade favored England, as imports were higher than exports. The trade deficit for Bulgaria was 5.1 million francs in the first period and 0.3 million francs in the second. However, in the last period, the situation changed. Bulgaria achieved a trade surplus of 4.2 million francs, meaning exports exceeded imports.
In conclusion, Bulgaria maintained a strong export position with Turkey across all periods. Trade with England showed improvement over time, especially in exports. These trends reflect Bulgaria’s growing role in European trade and its increasing export capacity during the early twentieth century.