Through Service Between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Imperial and Royal Danube Steam Navigation Company

General Tariff for Goods Transport

The through service between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Imperial and Royal Company for Steam Navigation on the Danube operates mainly through the ports of Somovit and Roustchouk. The general tariff for this service is similar to the tariff used in other international transport agreements. It covers a wide range of goods, including:

General goods of various kinds

Skins and hides, as well as other related products

Iron and metal items

Glass products

Pottery and porcelain

Cement and similar construction materials

Cereals and agricultural products

Mineral ores, stones, and related raw materials

Wood for building and construction

Exceptional Tariff

Some goods fall under exceptional tariffs because of their special nature, handling requirements, or commercial importance Local Ephesus Tour Guides. These include:

No. 1: Sugar

No. 11: Bones and related materials

No. 12: Beer and alcoholic beverages

No. 13: Flour and milling products

These exceptional tariffs help regulate costs and ensure proper processing of goods requiring special care.

Procedures for Collecting and Delivering Goods

Documentation and Transit Notes

The collection and delivery of goods are carried out using delivery or transit notes. These documents are exchanged:

Between the train guards and the station officials

Between the railway administrations of different countries at the frontier

This system ensures correct record-keeping, verification, and safe transfer of goods from one railway authority to another.

Packing Regulations

The method of packing goods on the Bulgarian State Railways follows the rules set out in:

The Railway Working Regulations, and

The Convention annexed to those Regulations

These standards ensure that goods are packed safely and consistently, especially when being transported across international borders.

Loading and Unloading Equipment

To handle goods, the Bulgarian State Railways use several types of equipment, including:

Wheelbarrows

Covers and protective sheets

Wooden bridges

Ladders

Ropes

Levers

Cranes

These tools help railway workers load and unload goods efficiently and safely. All procedures follow the guidelines contained in the official railway conventions and regulations.

Classification of Railway Stations in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian State Railways consist of 72 stations. For administrative purposes, they are divided into five classes, based on size, importance, and traffic volume.

1st Class Station

Sofia – the capital and main railway center

2nd Class Stations

Bourgas

Varna

Goraia-Ordhovitza

Katinetz

Plevna

Roustchouk

Tzaribrod

Yambol

3rd Class Stations

Bellovo

Eski-Djoumaya

Ichtiman

Comobal

Kaspitchan

Kostenetz-Bania

Mezdra-Vratza

Pernik

Poppovo

Razgrad

Roman

Tirnovo

Shoumen

4th and 5th Class Stations

21 stations belong to the 4th class

26 stations belong to the 5th class

These classifications help the railway administration manage resources, staffing, and services more effectively.

Special Goods and Tariffs in International Railway Services

Types of Goods with Specific Tariffs

Several types of goods receive special treatment because of their weight, fragility, or commercial value. These include:

Glass

Pottery and porcelain

Cement and stones

Lignite briquettes

Slates

Lithographic stones

Cardboard

Crystals of iron sulphate

Paper

Cotton fabrics

Linen fabrics

Wool

Wooden toys

These goods often fall under exceptional tariffs because they require careful handling, special packaging, or different transport conditions Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Through Service Between Hungary and Bulgaria (via Somovit and Roustchouk)

Exceptional Tariff Categories

The railway services between Hungary and Bulgaria include several exceptional tariffs that apply to specific goods. These special tariffs help regulate prices for important commercial items transported across the border.

Exceptional Tariff No. 1–12 Include:

Sugar

Various kinds of goods

Mineral waters

Iron

Glass

Paper

Pottery and porcelain

Cement

Wooden furniture

Iron furniture

Agricultural machinery

Jute sacks

Exceptional Tariff No. 13–21 Include:

Starch

Extracts from oak and wood

Rope-making materials

Brushes

Lamps

Glue

Matches

British gum

Rock salt

These categories help ensure that the transport costs reflect the nature and handling needs of each product.

Through Service Between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Hungarian River and Maritime Navigation Company (via Somovit and Roustchouk)

General Tariff Structure

The general tariff includes:

Fast trains

Full rates

Reduced rates

Class I Goods

Goods trains

Class A

Class B

This structure applies to most domestic and international shipments.

Exceptional Tariffs for This Service

The following goods fall under special tariffs when transported through this joint service:

Sugar

Various goods

Skins and similar products

Iron and related materials

Paper

Tobacco

Salt

Cereals

Mineral ores

Wood for building

Bones

Cement and similar materials

Starch

Wine and alcohol

Empty sacks

Flour and related products

Pottery and porcelain

Through Service Between Roumania and Bulgaria (via the Danube)

This international service follows almost the same tariff rules as the service operated jointly by the Bulgarian State Railways and the Hungarian River and Maritime Navigation Company. Goods are handled under similar general and exceptional tariffs, ensuring continuity in pricing and regulation.

Local Railway Service and Goods Tariffs

General Tariff Overview

The general tariff covers the prices for transporting goods by fast trains and by goods trains. It is organized into several parts to help shippers understand how their cargo will be charged.

Fast Train Tariffs

Fast train tariffs include:

Full Tariff – the normal rate applied to most goods.

Reduced Tariff – for shipments over 5,000 kilograms, with no special conditions.

Partial Consignments – used when smaller quantities of goods are sent.

Goods Train Tariffs

For goods sent by regular goods trains, the following categories are used:

Full Rates – applied to normal shipments Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Bulky Goods – items that take up extra space.

Class A, B, and C Goods – categories based on type, value, or handling needs.

1st and 2nd Class Goods – depending on priority or special requirements.

Exceptional Tariffs in Local Service

In addition to the general tariff, there are 17 exceptional tariffs for specific types of goods. These tariffs apply special rules or prices. They cover:

Live animals

Various goods

Alcohol, wine, vinegar

Cement, hydraulic lime

Salt

Cereals and oil-bearing grains

Flour and bran

Tobacco leaves

Timber for building

Eggs and dead poultry

Stones and similar materials

Explosives

Cheese and kashkaval

Vegetables and fruits

Iron, steel

Petroleum

Skins and intestines

Through Service with the Oriental Railways

General Tariff

The general tariff for through services is the same as for local services.

Special Tariffs

There are special tariffs for specific products in international transport between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Oriental Railways, including:

Live animals

Various goods

Beer

Wine and alcohol

Salt

Cereals

Flour and milling products

Bran

Building wood

Eggs

Building stone

Explosives

Through Service Between Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey

General Tariff

The general tariff also remains the same as for local services.

Exceptional Tariffs

Many goods have exceptional tariffs in this international system, including:

Live animals

Alcohol, wine, vinegar

Mineral waters

Sugar

Iron and steel

Paper

Glass

Pottery

Cement

Furniture

Tobacco

Cereals and grains

Flour

Wood

Meat, eggs, poultry

Rolling stock

Petroleum

Chrome ores

Lead

Gypsum

Flammable materials

Cotton fabrics

Silk cocoons

Malt

Cork

Coal

Through Service Between Germany, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey via Austria-Hungary

General Tariff Structure

The general tariff is divided into:

Ordinary Rates

Reduced Rates

Class I Goods

Fast Train and Goods Train Tariffs

Exceptional Tariffs

Exceptional tariffs cover a wide range of items such as:

Eggs and poultry

Live poultry

Lard

Prunes

Cereals and grains

Maize

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Ores

Tobacco

Beer

Machinery

Military rifles

Metals (iron, copper, lead)

Rolling stock

Zinc

And many other goods

Railway Tariffs and Passenger Regulations

General Information about Tariffs

All the railway tariffs include the cost of transporting a passenger’s luggage. Under tariffs * and A, the Bulgarian State Railways can issue tickets for travel to stations beyond Vienna. However, travel from Bulgaria to Vienna is covered by tariff C. For this reason, a passenger going from Sofia to London must have two separate tickets: one valid from Sofia to Vienna, and another for travel beyond Vienna.

Transport of Emigrants

The Bulgarian State Railways do not have any special rules or special prices for emigrants. Emigrants are treated the same as ordinary passengers and must buy regular tickets.

Passenger Reductions and Discounts

Groups Eligible for a 50% Reduction

A discount of 50% off the normal ticket price is offered to the following groups:

Children aged 4 to 10. No documents are required. Children under 4 travel for free if they do not occupy their own seat Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Members of the military profession.

Students traveling individually. Students must show a certificate from their school authorities.

Seasonal workers, such as harvest workers, mowers, and masons, when traveling in groups of at least 40 people.

Members of scientific organizations, pilgrims, and theatrical groups, when traveling in parties of at least 20 people.

Railway employees, after they have already used their right to travel for free, and the members of their families. These individuals must show a card issued personally by the General Management.

Booking offices issue children’s and soldiers’ tickets without any special documents. Other categories must present the required certificates.

Students Traveling in Groups

When students travel in groups of at least 10 people and are accompanied by their teachers, they receive a 75% discount on the normal fare.

Free Travel

The following categories may travel free of charge on the State railways:

Government ministers and certain high officials.

Railway employees, in three cases:

While carrying out their official duties.

Twice a year when they are on official leave.

When they are newly appointed or dismissed.

People who may travel for free are given annual passes and special permits as proof of their right.

Imports of Bulgaria by Category

After textiles, the next largest category of Bulgarian imports is metals and products of the metallurgical industry. During the three periods, this category represented:

8.9% of total imports in the first period (1890–1894)

11.7% in the second period (1895–1899)

9.5% in the last period (1900–1904)

The value of these imports slightly decreased by 0.2 million francs compared with the first period and by 0.9 million francs compared with the second period.

Other Important Import Categories

The tables show the values and percentages of other major imported goods:

Live animals: Around 0.6–0.7% of total imports during the three periods Private Ephesus Tours.

Animal foodstuffs: 1.6–1.9% of total imports.

Cereals and wheat products: Decreased slightly from 2.0% in the first period to 1.1% in the last period.

Fruits, vegetables, and grains: Increased from 0.6% to 1.4% during the last period.

Colonial products (coffee, tea, spices): Declined from 9.4% in the first period to 6.6% in the last period.

Chemicals, oils, fats, waxes, and their derivatives: Gradually increased, showing higher demand.

Paper materials and textile products: Both categories increased, reflecting growth in industrial and commercial activity.

Trends and Changes in Imports

Comparing the last period with the previous ones:

Fruits, vegetables, and grains increased significantly by almost 108% compared with the first period.

Colonial products decreased by 36% compared with the first period.

Spirituous drinks fell by 87.9% from the first period.

Metals and metallurgical products decreased by 2.1% compared with the first period and by 10.8% compared with the second period.

Textile materials and products rose by 10.1% compared with the first period and 15.1% compared with the second.

Some smaller categories, such as perfumes, drugs, and paper products, also showed moderate growth, while others, like machinery, ironmongery, and luxury items, decreased slightly.

Overall, Bulgaria’s foreign imports have shifted toward industrial and consumer goods, reflecting the needs of a growing population and developing economy. Textiles remain the largest category, metals and machinery show stability or slight decrease, and agricultural products like fruits and vegetables are increasing. Comparing these trends across the three quinquennial periods helps to understand the changing demands and consumption patterns of Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Foreign Trade by Categories of Goods

The tables on pages 246–249 are organized to show the average foreign imports into Bulgaria and the average exports from Bulgaria over the last three quinquennial periods. These tables also compare the absolute and relative percentages of each category of goods during the last period with the first two periods, providing a clear picture of trade trends over time.

Imports by Categories

The largest share of Bulgaria’s imports over the three periods belongs to textile materials and products. This category accounted for:

39.8% of total imports during the first period (1890–1894)

34.1% during the second period (1895–1899)

35.7% during the last period (1900–1904)

The increase in textile imports during the last period was 7.6 million francs, or 10.1%, compared to the first period. Compared with the second period, the increase was 3.7 million francs, or 15% Private Ephesus Tours.

Despite the growth of Bulgaria’s own textile industry, the import of textiles has continued to rise. This trend is explained by the progress and development of the Bulgarian people, who increasingly seek better clothing, improved comfort, and better hygiene in their daily lives.

Exports by Categories

The tables also show exports from Bulgaria, classified by type of goods. While imports are dominated by textiles, Bulgarian exports are more diverse, reflecting the country’s agricultural and industrial products. The comparison between the three periods helps identify which types of goods have increased or decreased in foreign markets, and which products remain important for Bulgaria’s trade relations.

Trade Trends and Analysis

By comparing the absolute values and percentages of imports and exports, it is possible to see how Bulgaria’s consumption patterns and production capabilities have changed. The continued rise in textile imports highlights growing domestic demand, even as local industries expand. At the same time, analyzing exports helps understand which Bulgarian products are competitive internationally.

Variations in Bulgarian Foreign Trade

Variations in Bulgarian Foreign Trade

During the three quinquennial periods, the foreign trade of Bulgaria showed significant changes in both exports and imports. Examining these variations helps us understand which countries are key trading partners and how the balance of trade has shifted over time.

Exports Compared to Imports

The exports of Bulgaria to some countries decreased relative to imports. For example:

France: During the first period, Bulgarian exports to France were 467.9 francs for every 100 francs of imports. This decreased to 264.1 francs in the second period and further to 130.8 francs during 1900–1904.

Germany: Exports fell from 102.6 francs during the first period and 114.5 francs during the second period to 85 francs during the last period, per 100 francs of imports from Germany.

These decreases show that Bulgaria exported less in comparison with what it imported from these countries, indicating a growing import dependence for certain goods.

Significant Increases in Exports

Conversely, Bulgaria’s exports to Belgium increased sharply. During the first period, exports were only 71.7 francs per 100 francs of Belgian goods imported. By the second period, exports rose to 269.9 francs, and during 1900–1904, they reached 1,019.4 francs. This dramatic increase highlights Belgium as a major buyer of Bulgarian products, especially cereals and other agricultural goods.

Exports to countries such as Greece, the United States, and England also grew proportionally with imports, showing balanced trade relations.

Overall Trade Growth

The general trend shows a steady growth in Bulgaria’s export trade relative to imports. During the first period, for every 100 francs of imports, exports amounted to only 88 francs. By the second period, exports slightly exceeded imports, and during 1900–1904, exports exceeded imports by more than 25%. This demonstrates that Bulgaria became increasingly export-oriented, improving its trade balance Private Ephesus Tours.

Composition of Bulgarian Trade

Understanding foreign trade also requires knowing what goods are imported and exported. Bulgarian statistical authorities classify commerce into 28 categories, further divided into 890 types of goods. This detailed classification helps identify which products are in high demand and which are produced in surplus, guiding both trade and economic policy.

Understanding Bulgarias Import and Export Trade

To better understand Bulgarian trade, it is useful to compare the values of imports and exports over the last three five-year periods. The comparison shows how much Bulgaria exported for every 100 francs worth of imports from other countries. This method helps us see the balance of trade and the nature of Bulgaria’s commercial relationships. It also helps guide decisions on commercial policy with different countries.

Exports Compared to Imports

From the data, we see that in some cases Bulgaria exported less than it imported. For example, for every 100 francs of goods imported, Bulgaria exported:

Russia: 5 francs

Switzerland: 29 francs

Austria-Hungary: 41 francs

Italy: 55 francs

Romania: 56 francs

Serbia: 72 francs

Germany: 85 francs

Holland: 90 francs

In these cases, Bulgaria’s trade balance was negative, meaning the country imported more than it exported. This shows a dependence on these countries for certain goods.

Countries with Favorable Trade Balance

In contrast, Bulgaria exported more than it imported from several other countries:

Belgium and Greece: Exports were ten times the imports

Turkey and the United States: Exports were about double the imports

France: Exports were 30% higher than imports

These figures show strong markets for Bulgarian products, especially cereals, livestock, and other local goods, in these countries.

Trends Over Three Periods

Looking at the three quinquennial periods, the proportion between exports and imports remained fairly consistent in the first two periods. However, in the period 1900–1904, Bulgaria’s overall exports increased significantly compared with imports, reaching 126.8 francs of exports for every 100 francs of imports. This shows that Bulgaria was gradually becoming a more export-oriented economy, with stronger trade relations in certain markets Private Ephesus Tours.

The table comparing exports and imports illustrates the balance of trade for Bulgaria. It highlights countries where Bulgaria has a surplus or deficit and helps understand which markets are most important. Over time, Bulgaria has been successful in increasing its exports, particularly to Belgium, Greece, Turkey, and the United States, showing the growing international demand for Bulgarian products. This information is essential for shaping future trade policies and promoting economic growth.

Major Export Destinations

During the period 1890–1904, Bulgaria exported cereals and other products to several countries. England was the second largest importer of Bulgarian cereals. In the first period (1890–1894), England received 17.9% of the total exports. This share increased to 28.1% during the second period (1895–1899), before falling to 18.0% in the period 1900–1904.

Other important export destinations included Germany, which imported mainly cereals, Austria-Hungary, which imported raw animal materials and other goods, and France, which also imported cereals. Smaller importers were Greece, Italy, and Romania. Although exports to these countries were less significant, they still showed some growth during 1900–1904.

Increase in Exports (1900–1904)

The period 1900–1904 saw a significant rise in exports to many countries compared with the first period:

Belgium: Increased by 21.9 million francs, or 8,798.1%

Austria-Hungary: Increased by 5.6 million francs, or 161.1%

England: Increased by 4.6 million francs, or 33.5%

Greece: Increased by 3.1 million francs, or 772.3%

Italy: Increased by 1.3 million francs, or 10.3%

United States: Increased by 0.6 million francs, or 3,191.1%

On the other hand, exports to France decreased by 10.7 million francs, or 62.2%, showing a clear decline in trade with that country during this period Private Ephesus Tours.

Comparison with the Second Period (1895–1899)

When compared with the second quinquennial period, exports during 1900–1904 also increased to several key countries:

Belgium: +17.0 million francs, or 274.8%

Austria-Hungary: +4.3 million francs, or 92.5%

Turkey: +4.0 million francs, or 21.5%

Greece: +2.6 million francs, or 301.0%

Italy: +1.6 million francs, or 109.6%

England: +1.3 million francs, or 8.0%

Exports to France fell by 3 million francs, or 31.4%, and exports to Germany fell by 1.2 million francs, or 11.2%.

Overall, Bulgaria’s export trade shifted significantly during the period 1900–1904. Belgium became a major market, while exports to traditional partners such as France and Germany declined. Meanwhile, exports to Greece, Italy, Austria-Hungary, and the United States showed impressive growth. These trends reflect both the expansion of Bulgaria’s production and changing patterns in international demand for Bulgarian goods.

Increase in Imports

During the last period (1900–1904), Bulgaria saw a significant rise in imports from several European countries compared with the previous period (1895–1899).

Italy showed the largest increase, with imports rising by 2.6 million francs, or 30.8% more than the previous period.

Germany’s imports increased by 1.8 million francs, a rise of 19.6%.

France had an increase of 1.4 million francs, or 38.7% more.

Austria-Hungary experienced a smaller rise of 0.9 million francs, or 4.1%.

Russia’s imports rose by 0.7 million francs, or 19.4% Private Tour Ephesus.

In contrast, imports from England decreased by 3.2 million francs, a reduction of 30.8%. This shows a shift in Bulgaria’s trading partners, with southern and central European countries supplying more goods, while England’s role as a supplier declined.

Exports to Belgium

Bulgaria’s export trade experienced important changes during the same period. Belgium became the fastest-growing market for Bulgarian products.

In the first period (1890–1894), exports to Belgium amounted to 1.2 million francs, representing only 1.6% of total exports.

During the second period (1895–1899), exports increased to 6.2 million francs, or 8.4% of total exports.

In the last period (1900–1904), exports to Belgium reached 23.1 million francs, or 22.4% of the total exportation—almost a quarter of all Bulgarian exports.

Belgium has become the most important buyer of Bulgarian products, especially cereals. This growth demonstrates the development of strong trade relations between Bulgaria and Belgium.

Exports to Turkey

For fifteen years, Turkey remained the largest market for Bulgarian exports.

During the first quinquennial period, exports to Turkey were 22.3 million francs, or 29.4% of total exports.

In the second period, exports fell slightly to 18.7 million francs, representing 25.5% of total exports.

In the last period, exports to Turkey rose again to 22.7 million francs, or 22.4% of total exports.

Turkey has remained a profitable market for Bulgarian cattle and industrial products, making it a stable and important trading partner despite the rise of other European buyers like Belgium.

Overall, Bulgaria’s foreign trade between 1895 and 1904 shows two clear trends:

Imports are diversifying, with Italy, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, and Russia supplying increasing amounts of goods, while England’s share is declining.

Exports are shifting toward new markets, especially Belgium, which has become the largest buyer of Bulgarian products, while Turkey continues to be a key market for agricultural and industrial goods.

These trends reflect Bulgaria’s growing economic integration with Europe and the expansion of its commercial networks.

Imports from Major Countries

During the period studied, Bulgaria’s imports from European countries showed significant changes. Germany, Italy, France, and Russia increased their share of Bulgarian imports, while Austria-Hungary and England decreased slightly.

Germany’s imports grew steadily. During the first period, Germany supplied 9.5% of Bulgaria’s total imports. This share rose to 12.7% in the second period and reached 13.8% in the last period.

Italy showed the most dramatic growth, starting at 2.1% in the first period, increasing to 3.8% in the second, and reaching 6.8% in the last period.

France’s imports represented 7.3% of total imports during the first period, fell slightly to 5% in the second, and increased again to 6.2% in the last period.

Russia’s imports started at 5.1% in the first period, decreased to 4.8% in the second, and rose to 5.2% in the last period.

Other countries, including Belgium and Serbia, contributed smaller amounts to Bulgaria’s imports. Although their percentages were lower, they still played a role in diversifying Bulgaria’s trade Private Tour Ephesus.

Comparison of Import Changes

A comparison between the last period (1900–1904) and the two previous periods shows substantial growth in imports from some countries:

Italy: Increase of 3.5 million francs, or 191.1% compared with the first period.

Germany: Increase of 2.7 million francs, or 33.2%.

France: Increase of 1.3 million francs, or 35.4%.

Belgium: Increase of 0.6 million francs, or 33.6%.

At the same time, imports decreased from Austria-Hungary and England, the two historically dominant trade partners:

Austria-Hungary: Decrease of 10.7 million francs, or 33.0%.

England: Decrease of 4.8 million francs, or 25.3%.

These changes reflect the gradual diversification of Bulgaria’s trade. While Austria-Hungary and England were important sources of imports in the early period, newer trading partners like Germany, Italy, and France began to supply more goods as Bulgaria developed its economy and improved transport links, such as railways and ports.

Overall, Bulgaria’s import trade between 1890 and 1904 shows a clear trend: growth from emerging European markets and a gradual reduction in reliance on traditional partners. The increase in imports from Italy, Germany, and France suggests that Bulgaria was actively seeking new trade opportunities, while maintaining connections with older partners. This period marks a transition toward a more balanced and diversified import system, preparing the country for further economic development in the 20th century.