Belarus’ trade deficit nearing $100 million in Q1

May 10, Pozirk. Belarus’ foreign trade in goods and services rose by 1.1 percent year on year to $23.4 billion in January-March, said the central bank, citing preliminary data.

Exports amounted to $11.6 billion and imports to $11.7 billion with the deficit at $96.1 million after a surplus of $186 million recorded a year earlier.

Trade in goods rose by 1.7 percent to about $20 billion with exports climbing by 0.6 percent to $9.6 billion and imports, by 2.9 percent to $10.4 billion. The deficit of trade in goods soared by 42 percent to $798 million.

Trade in services dropped by 2.5 percent to $3.4 billion with exports falling by 3.1 percent to about 2 billion and imports, by 1.5 percent to $1.3 billion. The surplus narrowed by 6 percent to $702 million.

Authorities projected a rise in exports of goods and services of 7.6 percent this year, following a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase in trade in goods and services in 2023 to $95.26 billion.

Also read: Biełstat reports widening deficit in goods trade in Q1