The deficit in Belarus’s foreign trade in goods narrowed in the first quarter, according to data from the national statistics agency. The reduction was driven by export growth outpacing imports in March.
In January–March, Belarusian exports increased by 20.3% to $11 billion, while imports rose by 14.6% to $12.42 billion. The foreign trade deficit amounted to $1.4 billion, down 16.4% compared with the same period last year.
Exports of goods to CIS countries grew by 21.5% over three months to $7.88 billion. Imports from the Commonwealth increased by 15.6% to $3.2 billion. The trade surplus with CIS countries in the first quarter reached $585.6 million, 3.3 times higher than a year earlier.
In trade with countries outside the CIS, Belarusian exports rose by 17.6% to $3.12 billion, while imports increased by 13.3% to $5.12 billion. The trade deficit with non-CIS countries amounted to $2 billion, up 7.1% year on year.
In March, Belarusian exports rose by 26.7% to $4.31 billion, while imports increased by 18.8% to $4.8 billion. The goods trade deficit for the month stood at $493.3 million, down 23% compared with last year.
In trade with CIS countries, exports increased by 21.7% to $3 billion, while imports rose by 14.5% to $2.74 billion. The trade surplus with the Commonwealth reached $250.5 million, 3.8 times higher than a year earlier.
In trade with countries outside the CIS, exports jumped by 39.9% in March to $1.3 billion, while imports rose by 25.1% to $2.06 billion. The trade deficit with non-CIS countries for March amounted to $743.8 million, up 5.3% compared with a year earlier.
