site.btaUPDATED Bulgaria's Foreign Trade in January - August

New figures released by the National Statistical Institute here on Thursday show that Bulgaria's foreign trade declined in January - August 2023 compared to the same period of last year. The total value of all exported goods to third countries and the EU amounted to BGN 56,841.6 million, which is a 7.6% decrease year-on-year, and the total value of goods imported from third countries and the EU was BGN 63,877.1 million, showing a year-on-year decline of 8.8%.

Trade with the EU shrank in July 2023 compared to this time last year. Exports decreased by 9.1% from a year earlier and  amounted to BGN 4,787.1 million, while imports fell by 5.5% to reach BGN 4,727.4 million.

The export of goods from Bulgaria to the EU in January - July decreased by 6% and amounted to BGN 33,154.1 million, while the imports from the EU remains unchanged and is worth 34,008.6 million BGN.

The most notable year-on-year growth in the export of goods to the EU in January - July 2023 is seen in the sectors of Miscellaneous manufactured articles (17.1%). The most pronounced fall is reported in Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes (71.6%). The largest growth in imports from the EU is seen in Machinery and transport equipment (18.1%), while the most notable fall is in Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials (67.1%). 

The main trading partners of Bulgaria were Germany, Romania, Italy, Greece and France, which accounted for 61.4% of the exports to the EU Member States.

Trade with third countries down, too

Exports to third countries also decreased, by 9.5% in January - August 2023 compared to a year earlier, and amounted to BGN 19,316.6 million. Imports from third countries dropped by 18.9% and added up to BGN 25,387.9 million.

Тhe most notable growth in the exports of goods to third countries compared to the period January - August 2022 is seen in Machinery and transport equipment (15.6%) and Beverages and tobacco (12.3%). The most pronounced fall is in Mineral fuel, lubricants and related materials (38.5%). The largest growth in the imports from third countries is seen in Food and live animals (17.5%) and Beverages and tobacco (16.9%). The most significant fall is in Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes (38.1%).