After textiles, the next largest category of Bulgarian imports is metals and products of the metallurgical industry. During the three periods, this category represented:
8.9% of total imports in the first period (1890–1894)
11.7% in the second period (1895–1899)
9.5% in the last period (1900–1904)
The value of these imports slightly decreased by 0.2 million francs compared with the first period and by 0.9 million francs compared with the second period.
Other Important Import Categories
The tables show the values and percentages of other major imported goods:
Live animals: Around 0.6–0.7% of total imports during the three periods Private Ephesus Tours.
Animal foodstuffs: 1.6–1.9% of total imports.
Cereals and wheat products: Decreased slightly from 2.0% in the first period to 1.1% in the last period.
Fruits, vegetables, and grains: Increased from 0.6% to 1.4% during the last period.
Colonial products (coffee, tea, spices): Declined from 9.4% in the first period to 6.6% in the last period.
Chemicals, oils, fats, waxes, and their derivatives: Gradually increased, showing higher demand.
Paper materials and textile products: Both categories increased, reflecting growth in industrial and commercial activity.
Trends and Changes in Imports
Comparing the last period with the previous ones:
Fruits, vegetables, and grains increased significantly by almost 108% compared with the first period.
Colonial products decreased by 36% compared with the first period.
Spirituous drinks fell by 87.9% from the first period.
Metals and metallurgical products decreased by 2.1% compared with the first period and by 10.8% compared with the second period.
Textile materials and products rose by 10.1% compared with the first period and 15.1% compared with the second.
Some smaller categories, such as perfumes, drugs, and paper products, also showed moderate growth, while others, like machinery, ironmongery, and luxury items, decreased slightly.
Overall, Bulgaria’s foreign imports have shifted toward industrial and consumer goods, reflecting the needs of a growing population and developing economy. Textiles remain the largest category, metals and machinery show stability or slight decrease, and agricultural products like fruits and vegetables are increasing. Comparing these trends across the three quinquennial periods helps to understand the changing demands and consumption patterns of Bulgaria.