The customs-houses at Plovdiv and Harmanly played an important role in Bulgaria’s land-based trade. Their share of total imports and land imports changed over the three quinquennial periods (1890–1894, 1895–1899, and 1900–1904).
Plovdiv Customs-House
First period (1890–1894):
Plovdiv handled 13.78% of total imports and 39.28% of imports by land.
Second period (1895–1899):
Its share increased slightly to 14.07% of total imports and 43.01% of land imports.
Third period (1900–1904):
Plovdiv managed 13.69% of total imports and 37.92% of land imports Private Tour Guide Ephesus.
Although Plovdiv remained an important customs point, its relative share of land imports declined slightly in the last period due to the growth of other routes.
Harmanly Customs-House
Harmanly had a smaller share but remained a useful entry point for goods transported by land:
First period: 3.60% of total imports and 10.7% of land imports
Second period: 1.67% of total imports and 5.09% of land imports
Third period: 2.25% of total imports and 6.24% of land imports
Harmanly’s contribution to total imports was minor, but it served as a supplementary route for local and regional trade.
Exports by Sea, Danube, and Land
Exports showed a different pattern from imports. Exports by sea increased steadily, while those by land and the Danube changed less predictably.
Exports by the Black Sea
First period (1890–1894): 37.39% of total exports
Second period (1895–1899): 41.83%
Third period (1900–1904): 46.11%
The growth of exports by the Black Sea was gradual but consistent. Ports like Varna and Bourgas became increasingly important for foreign trade.
Exports by the Danube
Exports through the Danube declined over time:
First period: 34.36% of total exports
Second period: 36.21%
Third period: 27.14%
This drop shows that traders preferred sea routes over river transport for exporting goods during the last period.
Exports by Land
Land exports increased slightly in the last period:
Second period: 21.96% of total exports
Third period: 26.75%
The expansion of railways and better connections between inland cities and ports helped facilitate these land exports.
In summary, Plovdiv and Harmanly were key land customs-houses, while the Black Sea ports gained importance for exports. Trade patterns shifted over time: sea transport grew, Danube river traffic decreased, and land exports rose due to improvements in railway infrastructure. These changes reflect Bulgaria’s gradual modernization of trade routes and better connectivity between ports and inland areas.