Bulgaria's merchandise foreign trade in 2000 totalled an estimated USD 11,306.2 million or BGN 24,076.5 million, up 18.7% from 1999, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reported Saturday. At USD 4,812.3 million or BGN 10,247.7 million f.o.b., last year's merchandise exports increased 20.1% from 1999. Merchandise imports were valued at USD 6,493.9 million or BGN 13,828.8 million c.i.f., 17.7% more than in 1999. The annual deficit amounted to USD 1,175.2 million or BGN 2,502.7 million f.o.b. The European Union accounts for nearly half of this country's merchandise foreign trade. Bulgarian exports consist mainly of manufactured and finished goods, chemical products and fuels, machinery and equipment.