Bulgaria’s export trade along the Danube River shows noticeable changes between 1890 and 1904. The main Danube ports—Sistova, Roustchouk, Viddin, and Lorn—played key roles in the country’s foreign commerce.
Exports Through Sistova
The port of Sistova had the following share of Bulgaria’s exports:
First period (1890–1894): 6.73% of total exports, 13.26% of Danube exports
Second period (1895–1899): 6.32% of total exports, 17.44% of Danube exports
Last period (1900–1904): 3.86% of total exports, 14.22% of Danube exports
These figures show that Sistova’s share of total exports declined over time, although it remained an important port for river trade.
Exports Through Roustchouk
Roustchouk was another significant Danube port:
First period: 4.72% of total exports, 13.73% of Danube exports
Second period: 5.12% of total exports, 14.13% of Danube exports
Last period: 3.63% of total exports, 13.38% of Danube exports
Roustchouk maintained a relatively stable role in Danube exports, but its share of total exports decreased during the last period Private Tour Guide Ephesus.
Exports Through Viddin
The port of Viddin contributed consistently to exports:
First period: 4.12% of total exports, 11.97% of Danube exports
Second period: 4.12% of total exports, 11.98% of Danube exports
Last period: 4.34% of total exports, 13.30% of Danube exports
Viddin’s exports remained stable in proportion to total exports, while its share of Danube exports increased slightly, showing its growing regional importance.
Exports Through Lorn
The port of Lorn handled smaller export volumes:
First period: 2.72% of total exports, 7.90% of Danube exports
Second period: 3.41% of total exports, 9.43% of Danube exports
Last period: 3.40% of total exports, 12.53% of Danube exports
Although Lorn’s share of total exports stayed relatively small, its importance for Danube trade grew steadily.
Exports by Land Through Harmanly
For land exports, the customs-house at Harmanly was the most important:
First period: 15.67% of total exports, 55.99% of land exports
Second period: 11.37% of total exports, 51.78% of land exports
Last period: 8.62% of total exports, 32.21% of land exports
This shows a steady decline in Harmanly’s share of total exports, reflecting the growth of other export routes, especially the sea and other Danube ports.
Overall, Bulgaria’s Danube ports played a major role in exports, though their shares changed over time. Sea exports grew faster, while land exports gradually lost proportion. This reflects the shift of Bulgarian foreign trade toward maritime routes during 1890–1904.