After Austria-Hungary, England, and Turkey, Germany, Italy, France, and Russia became important sources of imports for Bulgaria. These countries showed continuous growth in trade, reflecting Bulgaria’s gradually diversifying markets.
Germany supplied 9.5% of Bulgaria’s total imports during 1890–1894. This share increased to 13.7% in 1895–1899, and 13.8% in 1900–1904, showing steady growth. Italy had a smaller but growing share: 2.1% in the first period, 3.8% in the second, and 6.8% in the last period. France followed a similar trend, increasing from 4.3% to 5.0%, and then 6.3% across the three periods. Russia’s imports were 5.1% in the first period, decreased to 4.8% in the second, and slightly increased to 5.3% in the third period.
Other countries contributed smaller amounts. Romania supplied 2.4%, 3.6%, and 4.9% respectively; Belgium 2.0%, 3.1%, and 2.8%; Serbia, Switzerland, Greece, United States, Holland, and Sweden/Norway together contributed minor percentages of Bulgaria’s imports.
Overall changes in imports during 1900–1904 compared with previous periods show that Austria-Hungary remained dominant but decreased slightly. England’s share declined, while Germany, Italy, and France experienced noticeable growth. Turkey’s imports fluctuated but remained important due to regional proximity and traditional trade routes Private Tour Ephesus.
Exports to Foreign Countries
Bulgaria’s exports followed a slightly different pattern. Belgium, Turkey, and England were the main export destinations. Belgian imports increased significantly, reaching 22.9% of total exports in 1900–1904, compared with 1.6% in 1890–1894. Exports to Turkey were relatively stable, around 22–23%. England’s share varied, from 17.9% in the first period to 18.0% in the last.
Exports to Germany, Austria-Hungary, and France were important but fluctuated. German exports rose in the first period but slightly declined later. Austrian-Hungarian exports increased significantly over the periods, reflecting strong economic ties. France’s exports decreased over time.
Smaller shares went to Greece, Italy, Romania, the United States, Serbia, Holland, Russia, and Switzerland. These countries contributed modestly to Bulgarian exports but collectively helped diversify trade markets.
Overall, Bulgaria’s imports and exports became more diversified between 1890 and 1904. Imports increasingly came from Germany, Italy, and France, while exports steadily expanded to Belgium, Turkey, and Austria-Hungary. This trend shows that Bulgaria was integrating into the European trade network, balancing reliance on traditional partners like Austria-Hungary and Turkey with new trade relations across the continent.
The data also shows that Bulgaria’s economy was growing, with rising imports and exports reflecting the development of transport infrastructure, such as railways and ports, which facilitated trade with multiple countries.