Ukraine posts rise in volume of foreign trade

The volume of Ukraine's foreign trade, including goods and services, increased 8.2 percent to $39.8bn in 2002 compared to 2001, the Ukrainian Economy Ministry reported to RBC. In particular, exports increased 10.4 percent to $21.9bn and imports went up 5.7 percent to $17.9bn. The ministry also posted a positive foreign trade balance, which reached $4bn.

A source in the Ukrainian Economy Ministry noted that the strengthening of competition on the global market resulted in tougher protectionist policies in various countries. In particular, over the past two years, Ukrainian producers lost sales markets in several counties with a total volume of about $1.2bn.