Belarus’ trade surplus at $2.9bn in 2012

MINSK, 12 February (BelTA) – Belarus’ surplus in foreign trade in goods and services made up $2.915 billion in 2012, compared with a $1 billion trade deficit a year earlier, according to the statistics report of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus.

The total trade in goods and services increased by 6.9% on the previous year to reach $100.86 billion. Exports rose 11.4% to $51.89 billion, imports – 2.5% to $48.97 billion.

In 2012 the country’s positive balance of trade in goods made up $111.5 million while last year the country showed a $3.6 billion deficit. The export of goods in FOB prices in 2012 rose by 11% on 2011 to reach $45.24 million. The import of goods increased by 1.6% up to $45.13 million.

In 2012 the surplus in foreign trade in services made $2.8 billion (in 2011 it stood at $2.45 billion). The export of services rose by 14.5% to make up $6.65 billion. The import rose by 14.5% to $3.84 billion.

In 2013 the surplus of Belarus’ foreign trade is expected to reach 2.3-2.7% of the GDP. In 2012 GDP reached Br527.4 trillion.