This article examines Bulgaria’s trade relations with Germany and France during three five-year periods: 1890–1894, 1895–1899, and 1900–1904. The focus is on imports, exports, total trade volume, and the balance of trade. These figures help explain how Bulgaria’s foreign trade developed at the turn of the twentieth century.
Trade Between Bulgaria and Germany
Imports and Exports
Trade between Bulgaria and Germany grew steadily over time. Imports from Germany increased in every period. They rose from 8.2 million francs in the first period to 9.1 million francs in the second, and reached 11 million francs during 1900–1904. This shows Bulgaria’s growing dependence on German industrial products Private Istanbul Tour.
Exports from Bulgaria to Germany followed a different pattern. They increased from 8.4 million francs in the first period to 10.5 million francs in the second period. However, during the last period, exports declined to 9.3 million francs.
Total Trade and Balance
Total trade between the two countries increased in every period. It rose from 16.7 million francs in the first period to more than 20.3 million francs in the last period. This confirms the growing importance of Germany as a trade partner.
The balance of trade favored Bulgaria during the first two periods. Exports exceeded imports by 0.2 million francs in the first period and by 1.3 million francs in the second period. However, during 1900–1904, the situation reversed. Imports exceeded exports by 1.6 million francs, giving Germany a trade advantage.
Main Articles Traded
Imports from Germany included textiles, metals and metal goods, machines, instruments, leather products, railway cars, carriages, steamers, and locomotives.
Exports to Germany mainly consisted of wheat, eggs, barley, maize, and attar of roses.
Trade Between Bulgaria and France
Imports and Exports
Imports from France into Bulgaria remained moderate but increased over time. They amounted to 3.6 million francs during the first two periods and rose to nearly 5 million francs during the last period.
Exports from Bulgaria to France were very high at first. They reached 17.2 million francs during 1890–1894, which was the highest level across all periods. However, exports fell sharply to 9.5 million francs in the second period and declined further to about 6.5 million francs in the last period.
Total Trade and Balance
Total trade between Bulgaria and France was largest during the first period, reaching nearly 21 million francs. It decreased steadily in the following periods.
Despite the decline in exports, the balance of trade remained in favor of Bulgaria in all three periods. The trade surplus was strongest in the first period, at 13.6 million francs. It fell to 5.9 million francs in the second period and to 1.5 million francs during the last period.
Main Articles Imported
Imports from France included textiles, leather and leather goods, machinery, instruments, metal products, oils, fats, wax, and related products.
In conclusion, trade with Germany expanded steadily, with growing imports and rising total trade. Trade with France showed declining exports but still remained favorable for Bulgaria. These patterns highlight Bulgaria’s increasing integration into European trade and its reliance on industrial imports combined with strong agricultural exports.