Export Trends by Sea Danube and Land

Bulgaria’s exports from 1890 to 1904 show interesting changes depending on the route—sea, river, or land. During the last period (1900–1904), exports by sea increased significantly, while exports by the Danube decreased. Land exports had smaller variations.

Exports by Sea

Sea exports rose sharply during the last period:

Compared with 1890–1894: +8.72%

Compared with 1895–1899: +4.28%

This increase reflects the growing importance of Bulgaria’s Black Sea ports in international trade. The main sea ports were Varna, Bourgas, and Balchik Private Tour Guide Ephesus.

Varna:

First period: 16.83% of total exports, 45.02% of sea exports

Second period: 17.58% of total exports, 42.03% of sea exports

Last period: 19.52% of total exports, 42.33% of sea exports

Bourgas:

First period: 11.72% of total exports, 31.35% of sea exports

Second period: 16.21% of total exports, 38.74% of sea exports

Last period: 17.50% of total exports, 37.95% of sea exports

Balchik:

First period: 7.94% of total exports, 21.23% of sea exports

Second period: 7.22% of total exports, 17.20% of sea exports

Last period: 8.88% of total exports, 19.25% of sea exports

The data show that Varna and Bourgas became the dominant ports for sea exports, while Balchik played a smaller but stable role.

Exports by the Danube

Exports through the Danube decreased over time:

Compared with 1890–1894: −7.22%

Compared with 1895–1899: −9.07%

The main Danube port, Orchovo, contributed as follows:

First period: 4.56% of total exports, 13.26% of Danube exports

Second period: 5.11% of total exports, 14.12% of Danube exports

Last period: 4.24% of total exports, 15.62% of Danube exports

Despite the decrease in total exports via the Danube, Orchovo’s share of Danube exports increased slightly, showing its relative importance among river ports.

Exports by Land

Exports by land showed smaller changes:

Last period compared with first: −1.50%

Last period compared with second: +4.79%

Land routes remained important for regional trade, particularly connecting inland cities with Black Sea ports and neighboring countries.

Overall, Bulgaria’s exports by sea grew steadily, showing a shift toward Black Sea trade, while exports by the Danube declined. Land exports remained stable with minor fluctuations. The ports of Varna and Bourgas led the growth in sea exports, whereas Orchovo maintained its importance for river trade. These trends reflect Bulgaria’s evolving trade infrastructure and the increasing role of the Black Sea in foreign commerce.