68.5% MOLDOVAN EXPORTS GO TO EU COUNTRIES – STATISTICS BUREAU

In the first half of 2018, Moldovan economic operators had exported goods worth US$1,315 million to foreign countries, or US$287 million more (+27.9%) that in the equivalent period in 2017, reported the National Statistics Bureau.

According to it, exports to European Union countries grew up by 38.1% reaching US$900.7 million, and their share in the republic’s total exports had increased by 5.1% -- up to 68.5%.

However, one should take into account here that the exports of Moldova-made produce proper were worth only US$887.1 million, and the rest US$438.1 million were re-exports.

Romania is remaining the main consumer of goods from Moldova – worth US$346.4 million, or more than a quarter of all Moldovan exports. This figure is US$140 million greater than Moldova’s aggregate exports to all FSU countries (US$208.3 million).

Imports to Moldova in January-May grew up 25.6% against 1H2017 – up to US$2,375 million. In that figure, imports from European Union countries accounted for US$1,396 million (+30.1%), whereas from the CIS area -- US$637.4 mil (+17.4%).

Romania is remaining the largest supplier to Moldova -- US$386.8 million followed by Russia – thanks to its fuel and energy supplies (323.4 million, or +3.8%). The third is China – worth US$285.6 million, which has moved Ukraine to the 4th position (US$255.8 million).

Moldova’s trade balance deficit grew up by 23.1% over the year – up to US$1.42 billion, and Moldovan exports covered 48.1% of imports, against 47.1% in 1H2017.