Trade balance for 4 months has deteriorated to $ 2 billion

the Volume of foreign trade of Ukraine during the first 4 months of 2019 increased in comparison with the corresponding period in 2018 at 7% 32,387 billion $ 34,749 $ billion, - informs the DFS.

Exports of goods increased by 6% to 16,362 $ billion, imports – by 8% - up to 18,386 $ billion and a negative foreign trade balance increased to 2,024 billion dollars.

the Largest share in exports are agricultural products and foodstuffs – 7,055 $ billion or 43.1% of total exports. In second place – metals and products from them – 3,683 $ billion or 22.5%.

imports of goods and 31.5% are equipment, vehicles and machinery – 5,789 billion $, in second place – chemical products – 20.9% or 3,836 billion dollars.

According to state statistics, in 2017 the negative foreign trade balance amounted to 2.5 billion $, and in 2018 it increased 2.3 times to 5.82 billion dollars.

According to the forecast, the NBU, the decrease in global demand and trade activity will limit the growth of prices of goods domestic exports, especially for agricultural products, which may become cheaper by 10-15% due to the increase in world production of grains and oilseeds due to favourable weather conditions.

This will reduce foreign exchange earnings, and increase the deficit of the balance of payments, which will increase the pressure on the ruble in the second half, especially after the strengthening of the hryvnia to 26.28-26,32 UAH/$, compared to 27-28 UAH/$ at the end of last year.