According to the preliminary figures of the National Statistical Institute (NSI), which were released on Friday, Bulgarian exports to the EU and third countries increased in the first half of 2015.

Between January and June, Bulgarian exports to the EU amounted to BGN 14.2 B, which represented an increase of 12.4 % compared to the same period last year.

The main trading partners were Germany, Italy, Romania, Greece, France and Belgium, which together made up 70.5 % of Bulgarian exports to the EU.

In the first half of the year, Bulgarian imports from the EU amounted to BGN 16.1 B, which represented an increase of 7.8 % compared to the same period in 2014.

The greatest volume of goods was imported from Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain and Greece.

The trade of balance in the first half of the year was negative and exceeded BGN 1.9 B.

The exports of mineral fuels, oils and similar products and unprocessed (raw) materials unsuitable for consumption (excluding fuels) increased the most, while there was a drop in the export of soft and alcoholic drinks and tobacco.

The imports of soft and alcoholic drinks and tobacco as well as machines, equipment and vehicles increased the most, while there was a considerable drop in the import of mineral fuels, oils and similar products.

Between January and July, Bulgarian exports to third countries amounted to BGN 9.7 B, which represented an increase of 8.3 % compared to the same period in 2014.

The main trading partners were Turkey, China, Singapore, Serbia, Russia, the US and Macedonia, which accounted for 55.4 % of Bulgarian exports to third countries.

In the first seven months of 2015, Bulgarian imports from the EU amounted to BGN 11 B, which was a slight growth of 0.3 % compared to the same period last year.

The greatest volume of goods was imported from Russia, Turkey, China and Ukraine.

Between January and July, the trade of balance with third countries was BGN negative and exceeded BGN 1.3 B.

The exports of fats, oils and waxes from animal and plant origin and various ready products increased the most, while the export of mineral fuels, oils and similar products dropped.

The imports of foods and live animals as well as unprocessed (raw) materials unsuitable for consumption (excluding fuels) increased the most, while the import of soft and alcoholic drinks and tobacco dropped the most.

Between January and July, the total Bulgarian exports to the EU and third countries amounted to BGN 26.5 B, which represented an increase of 9.4 % compared to the same period in 2014.

In the first seven months of 2015, the total Bulgarian imports from the EU and third countries amounted to BGN 30.2 B, which represented an increase of 5.3 % compared to the same period last year.

Between January and July, the overall balance of trade was negative and exceeded BGN 3.7 B.