Although Bulgaria exports a fair amount of woven goods and textiles, most of the production is sold within the country. The exports bring in about two to three million francs per year, while domestic sales reach nearly eight million francs. This shows that the internal market plays a very important role in supporting Bulgarian manufacturers.
In earlier times, most people in Bulgaria used to wear coarse, handmade cloths woven at home. However, this tradition has gradually declined. With the growth of modern factories and new fashion trends, many people now prefer to buy ready-made clothes from shops. This change in habits has reduced the importance of home weaving and household industries, which once formed the backbone of the local economy.
Improvements in Quality
One positive change in recent years is the remarkable improvement in the quality of Bulgarian textiles. Manufacturers have worked hard to make their products equal, and in some cases even superior, to foreign goods. Through modern equipment, better materials, and advanced production techniques, Bulgarian cloths and fabrics now compete successfully with imported ones Sightseeing Sofia.
As a result of this improvement, the need for imported goods has gradually declined, showing the strength and progress of the national industry.
Decline in Textile Imports
The following table shows the decline in the import of various textile products over several years (values in francs):
Product 1894 1898 1902
Coarse cloths 27,228 130,617 45,100
Serges 14,404 47,094 100,822
Undyed cloths and fabrics 22,754 13,459 4,372
Dyed goods 1,404,098 1,538,212 1,204,565
Shawls 254,578 224,254 144,034
These numbers show a steady fall in imports, especially of dyed goods and shawls, as the domestic textile industry became more productive and self-sufficient.
Growth of Other Industries
Besides weaving and textile production, many other industries have developed in Bulgaria due to the continuous support of the government. Factories have been established in several fields, including metalwork, food processing, leather goods, and paper manufacturing.
Although this report cannot cover every industry in detail, their progress is clear from the growth of factory numbers and investment capital. A factory is officially recognized when it employs at least twenty workers and has a capital of more than 25,000 francs.
Industrial Census of 1906
For the first time in Bulgaria’s history, a national census of industrial establishments was carried out on December 31, 1906. This census recorded the total number of factories, workers, machinery, and production capacity across the country.
Before analyzing those results, it is useful to look at the condition of Bulgarian industries before that date. This comparison helps us understand how rapidly Bulgaria transformed from an agricultural nation into an emerging industrial country, showing great potential for continued economic growth.