The considerable discrepancy between imports and exports in the first quarter of this year led to the accumulation of a balance-of-trade deficit of US$698.9 million, an increase of 44% (US$214.2 million) compared with the corresponding period last year.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Moldova’s trade deficit with the EU member states rose by US$91.9 million compared with the corresponding period last year, to US$283 million. The trade deficit with the CIS countries was US$245.2 million or by US$47.9 million higher than in 2007.

Moldova had a trade deficit of US$119.6 million with Ukraine, of US$112.4 million with Russia, of US$70.3 million with Romania, of US$58.2 million with Germany, of US$56.3 million with China, of US$43.1 million with Turkey, of US$17.7 million with France, of US$10.5 million with Italy, etc.

Imports over January-March 2008 totaled US$1.45,8 billion, while exports US$346.9 million.

Experts predict that the balance-of-trade deficit could hit a historical record of US$3 billion by the end of 2008. They say that the imports of energy resources, consumer goods and goods used in agriculture and industry will rise notably this year. According to them, the imports of food and agricultural products will continue to grow in the first half of 2008 // Reporter.MD


Publication date: 13 May 2008   

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