This article reviews Bulgaria’s trade relations with Austria-Hungary and Belgium during three five-year periods: 1890–1894, 1895–1899, and 1900–1904. The data highlights imports, exports, total trade volume, and the balance of trade. It also lists the main goods exchanged with each country.
Trade Between Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary
Imports and Exports
Austria-Hungary was one of Bulgaria’s most important trading partners, especially as a source of imported goods. Imports from Austria-Hungary were highest during the first period, reaching 32.5 million francs. These imports declined sharply in the second period to 20.9 million francs and remained at a similar level in the third period, at 21.8 million francs Private Istanbul Tour.
Exports from Bulgaria to Austria-Hungary were much smaller in comparison. They amounted to 3.4 million francs in the first period, increased to 4.6 million francs in the second period, and reached their highest level in the third period with 9 million francs.
Total Trade and Balance
Total trade between the two countries was highest during the first period, when it exceeded 35.9 million francs. Although exports increased over time, the balance of trade remained in favor of imports throughout all three periods. Bulgaria imported far more from Austria-Hungary than it exported.
The trade deficit reached 29.1 million francs in the first period, 16.3 million francs in the second, and 12.8 million francs in the last period. While the deficit decreased over time, it still showed Bulgaria’s strong dependence on Austrian-Hungarian manufactured goods.
Main Articles Traded
Imports from Austria-Hungary included textiles, colonial products, machines, instruments, metal goods, paper, wood products, furniture, and knitted goods.
Exports to Austria-Hungary mainly consisted of eggs, sheep and goat skins, maize, tobacco in leaf, hides, and wheat.
Trade Between Bulgaria and Belgium
Imports and Exports
Trade with Belgium developed differently. Imports from Belgium were relatively small. They reached 1.7 million francs in the first period and increased to over 2.2 million francs in later periods.
Exports from Bulgaria to Belgium showed very strong growth. They increased from 1.2 million francs in the first period to 6.1 million francs in the second period. During 1900–1904, exports rose sharply to more than 23 million francs.
Balance of Trade
During the first period, the balance of trade was slightly in favor of imports, with a deficit of about 0.5 million francs. However, in the second and third periods, the situation changed completely. Exports exceeded imports by 3.9 million francs in the second period and by more than 20 million francs in the last period.
Main Articles Traded
Imports from Belgium included metal goods, textiles, stone, clay, glass products, and machinery.
Exports to Belgium mainly consisted of wheat, maize, barley, and attar of roses.
In conclusion, Bulgaria depended heavily on Austria-Hungary for manufactured imports, which caused a long-term trade deficit. In contrast, trade with Belgium became increasingly favorable, especially after 1900, due to rising agricultural exports. These trends show Bulgaria’s growing export strength and gradual diversification of trade partners.