The IER reports that in March, due to better access to electricity and the gradual recovery of demand, Ukraine’s economic situation improved slightly – real GDP growth was 1.3%. In contrast, in previous months the figures were lower: January – 1.2% and February – 0.7%.
Industries that demonstrated growth in gross value added:
Industry. Growth of 2.5% in March resulted from a moderate increase in domestic demand and exports, despite Russian attacks on the Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv.
Trade. Growth of 1.2% even though wholesale trade volumes are decreasing due to the growth of direct sales.
Industries that experienced a decline:
Agriculture. The 3% decline in March was due to lower livestock production and the advance of Russian troops.
Mining. A drop of more than 3% resulted from the temporary occupation of coal mines in the Donetsk region and attacks on gas production.
Energy. Russian strikes on energy infrastructure caused a decrease of almost 5%.
Transport. A 6% March drop was due to a slowdown in rail freight traffic following cyberattacks and the suspension of gas transit since the beginning of the year.