This section examines how Bulgaria’s imports changed over three main five-year periods: 1890–1894, 1895–1899, and 1900–1904. The imports came through three different routes: by sea, by the Danube River, and by land. The numbers show the percentage share of total imports for each route and how these shares changed over time.
Imports by Land
Imports transported by land were not stable during the three periods.
In the first period (1890–1894), land imports made up 36.05% of all imports.
In the second period (1895–1899), this share fell to 32.72%.
In the third period (1900–1904), the share increased again to 36.11%.
When we compare the last period with the earlier ones, land imports were 1.05% lower than in the first period and 3.39% lower than in the second. This shows that land transport did not experience strong long-term growth and remained fairly irregular.
Imports by Sea
Sea imports grew more steadily and became increasingly important.
During the last period (1900–1904), sea imports were:
8.75% higher than in the first period
3.47% higher than in the second period
This increase shows that maritime transport was becoming the preferred route for bringing goods into Bulgaria. The growth was especially strong through the ports of Varna and Bourgas.
Imports Through Varna and Bourgas
Varna
Varna played the biggest role in sea imports:
In the first period, Varna accounted for 17.74% of all imports and 63.17% of all sea imports.
In the second period, it increased to 20.89% of total imports and 62.59% of sea imports.
In the last period, Varna’s share rose sharply to 27.54% of total imports and 74.77% of all imports by sea.
This clear upward trend shows that Varna became Bulgaria’s leading import port.
Bourgas
Bourgas also contributed to sea imports, although with more variation:
First period: 9.58% of total imports and 34.12% of sea imports
Second period: 11.87% of total imports and 35.58% of sea imports
Last period: 8.80% of total imports and 23.90% of sea imports
While Bourgas had growth during the second period, its importance declined in the third period.
Imports by the Danube
The Danube ports handled a smaller share of imports over time. Overall, Danube imports in the last period were:
9.80% lower than in the first period
6.88% lower than in the second period
This decline shows that river transport was losing ground to sea and land routes Ephesus Daily Tour.
The Port of Roustchouk
Roustchouk was the most important Danube port:
First period: 13.17% of total imports and 41.15% of Danube imports
Second period: 16.29% of total imports and 43.04% of Danube imports
Last period: 14.96% of total imports and 55.34% of Danube imports
Although Roustchouk increased its share of Danube imports, the Danube route as a whole declined.
These figures show clear long-term trends in Bulgaria’s trade patterns. Sea imports grew the most, led mainly by the port of Varna. Danube imports declined, while land imports remained inconsistent. By the early 1900s, maritime transport had become the strongest and most reliable method for bringing goods into the country.