Belarus' goods export increase 15.3 pct in 2018

Belarus' merchandise export in 2018 grew by 15.3 percent over 2017, reaching 33.7 billion U.S. dollars, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said on Wednesday.

Against the background of a high base of 2017, Belarus managed to ensure the growth path for the second year in a row, exceeding the forecast parameter set by the head of state, the official said.

Nearly 60 percent of the growth came from products not related to crude oil, petroleum products and fertilizers, which indicates an improvement in the export commodity structure, the minister said.

He also stressed the share of the Eurasian Economic Union decreased to 41.2 percent, the share of the European Union countries rose to 30.2 percent, and that of other countries rose to 28.6 percent.

The minister said Belarus has the largest deficit in trade with Russia.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)