National statistics: Bulgaria's exports to EU increase by 3.3%

In the period January - September 2019, Bulgaria's exports to the EU increased by 3.3% compared to the same period of 2018 and amounted to BGN 29 049.1 million, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reported on December 11.

The main trading partners of Bulgaria are Germany, Romania, Italy, Greece, France and Belgium, which account for 66.3% of exports to EU Member States. In September 2019, exports to the EU increased slightly compared to the same month of the previous year, amounting to BGN 3 233.8 million.

The exports of Bulgaria to the EU, broken down by the Standard Foreign Trade Classification, in the period January - September 2019 compared to the same period of the previous year showed the highest growth in the sector "Mineral fuels, oils and similar products" (15.5%) . The largest decline was observed in the sector 'Articles classified mainly by type of material' (7.3%).

Bulgarian imports from the EU in the period January - September 2019 increased by 2.2% compared to the same period of the previous year and reached BGN 30 209.7 million (at CIF prices). The largest volume of goods was imported from Germany, Italy, Romania, Greece and Spain. In September 2019 Bulgaria's imports from the EU Member States increased by 0.3% compared to the same month of the previous year and amounted to BGN 3 243.7 million.

Imports from the EU, broken down by the Standard Foreign Trade Classification, in the period January - September 2019 compared to the same period of 2018, the highest percentage increase was recorded in the sector Non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco (25.7%). The largest decrease was observed in the section "Raw (non-crude) non-consumable (excluding fuels)" (22.7%).

The foreign trade balance (exports FOB - CIF imports) of Bulgaria with the EU for the period January - September 2019 is negative and is worth BGN 1 160.6 million.

source: BGNES