In January-September 2011, Belarus’ foreign trade deficit fell by 56.5% from the same period last year to $1.897 billion, BelTA learnt from the press service of the National Bank of Belarus.

In September this year Belarus has a foreign trade surplus in the amount of $153.2 million. In August and July 2011 the surplus was $120.3 million and $368.5 million respectively. Thus, the foreign trade deficit keeps reducing.

In January-September this year the foreign trade of the Republic of Belarus rose by 48.9% over the same period of 2010 to $68.9 billion. Exports were up by 59.9% to $33.5 billion, imports increased by 39.8% to $35.4 billion.

In January-September this year, the merchandise trade deficit decreased by 38% to $3.461 billion. In September the merchandise trade deficit totaled $45.7 million, down 1.6 times over August (in August it was $72.5 million).

In January-September this year foreign trade in goods made up $62.7 billion, up 53.3% on the same time a year ago. Over the period under review the export went up by 67.8% to $29.6 billion, the import grew 42.3% to hit $33.1 billion.

Foreign trade surplus in services increased by 27.5% and reached $1.563 billion in January-September. In September trade surplus in services rose 3.2% from August 2011 to make up $198.9 million.

At the same time foreign trade in services totaled $6.2 billion, up 15.4% over the same time last year. Export increased by 17.7% to $3.9 billion, import was up by 11.8% ($2.3 billion).

According to the forecast, the foreign trade deficit is expected to reduce to $5.7 billion this year. Just to compare: Belarus’ foreign trade deficit was $7.4 billion in 2010.

Belta