Record imports and exports in Bulgaria

Between January and April, Bulgarian exports to the EU increased by 12.3% compared with the same period in 2014. According to preliminary estimates from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), exports during this period amounted to BGN 9.3 billion. Bulgaria’s main trading partners are Germany, Italy, Romania, Greece, Belgium and France, which together account for 69.8% of Bulgarian exports to the EU. In April, Bulgarian exports to the EU rose by 13.2% compared with the same month of 2014, reaching BGN 2.4 billion. Between January and April, Bulgaria’s imports from the EU increased by 7.6% compared with the same period in 2014, reaching BGN 10.7 billion. The largest volumes of goods were imported from Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain and Greece. In April, imports into Bulgaria from the EU increased by 8.8% compared with the same month of 2014 and amounted to BGN 2.9 billion. Bulgaria’s trade balance with the EU between January and April was negative, at BGN 1.4 billion. The largest increases were recorded in Bulgarian exports of unprocessed materials and waste unsuitable for consumption (excluding fuels), and mineral fuels, oils and related products, while exports of alcoholic beverages, alcohol and tobacco declined. As regards imports from the EU, the largest increases were recorded in machinery, equipment and means of transport, non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol and tobacco, while imports of mineral fuels, oils and related products fell.