Bulgarian exports (FOB value) in the first four months of this year increased 27.8 per cent year on year, the National Statistical Institute said on Wednesday. Imports to Bulgaria (CIF value) increased 25.8 per cent.

Exports to the EU grew 23.5 per cent, and imports from the EU increased 17.9 per cent.

In January-April 2008 Bulgarian exports totaled 9,900 million leva (FOB), and imports to Bulgaria stood at 15,600 million leva (CIF).

The trade deficit over the first four months of this year was a little over 5,000 million leva (FOB/FOB).

The largest increase occurred in the export of animal-based and vegetable-based fats, oils and waxes to the EU - a little over four-fold. The largest increase in imports occurred with foods and live animals - 53 per cent.