According to the results from November, the foreign trade deficit in Ukraine decreased to $2.12B ($2.96B in October). Imports of goods amounted to $5.07B, which is 10.1% less compared to October, while exports during this period increased by 10% to $3.23B.
The improvement in the foreign trade balance in November was influenced by the automobile blockade at the borders with the EU and increasing sea transportation. The blockade of freight traffic by Poland and Slovakia was the main reason imports decreased by 10.1%. As for exports, due to the blockade, most of the main product groups also declined (metals by 5.1%, machines/equipment by 3.5%, wood by 14.9%).
“However, an important role was played by the increase in sea and river transportation, primarily of agricultural products“, the specialized committee of the Ukrainian Parliament noted.
Exports by sea and river transport increased by 71% in November. Accordingly, agricultural raw materials and food exports grew by 20% for the month.