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Foreign Trade of Bulgaria during the First Half of the 20th Century: Development and Adaptation

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  • Aleksandar Shivarov

    (University of Economics, Varna, Bulgaria)

Abstract

The paper explores the foreign trade of Bulgaria in the years 1900 – 1945. It depicts the development of merchandise trade on the background of the country’s economic growth during the first half of the 20th century. GDP estimates for the whole period enable the evaluation of trade openness and its comparison to that of other European countries. Trade outcomes are assessed in terms of level and growth (the intensive margin), and diversification (extensive margin). The results of the analysis suggest increased dynamism in the Bulgarian economy and its external sector in the period between the two world wars. This newly found resilience enables the economy to recover after World War I and the Great Depression.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleksandar Shivarov, 2017. "Foreign Trade of Bulgaria during the First Half of the 20th Century: Development and Adaptation," Proceedings of the Centre for Economic History Research, Centre for Economic History Research, vol. 2, pages 115-128, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:ceh:journl:y:2017:v:2:p:115-128
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ivanov, Martin & Tooze, Adam, 2007. "Convergence or Decline on Europe's Southeastern Periphery? Agriculture, Population, and GNP in Bulgaria, 1892–1945," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(3), pages 672-703, September.
    2. Giovanni Federico & Antonio Tena-Junguito, 2017. "A tale of two globalizations: gains from trade and openness 1800–2010," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 153(3), pages 601-626, August.
    3. Jacks, David S. & Meissner, Christopher M. & Novy, Dennis, 2010. "Trade costs in the first wave of globalization," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 127-141, April.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • N73 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N74 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Europe: 1913-

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