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Trade turnover between Ukraine and the European Union grew by 21.6% in the first quarter of 2017 (Q1), according to the Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry's press service.
At the same time, Ukrainian exports to the EU rose by 24.5% in Q1 2017, while imports from the EU increased by 19.2%.
Exports of Ukrainian finished goods to Europe increased significantly in January-April 2017, by $411 million year-over-year (y-o-y).
The leaders in the commodity structure of finished products exports were flat rolled carbon steel (growth of $68.9 million), insulated wires and cables ($39.7 million), electric water heaters ($36.3 million), and cattle cake ($33.8 million).
Read alsoUkraine wants to boost farm produce exports to Hungary – agrarian ministryIn addition, Ukraine began to supply 39 new commodity items to Europe, which brought an additional $1 million in exports in January-April. At the same time, 60.2% of exports of new commodity items were self-propelled bulldozers, excavators and pipes.
"The government considers the Association Agreement with the European Union as the indicator of our strategic reforms and has a clear consistent plan of concrete steps that we must take to maximize the opportunities of the free trade regime with the European Union," Ukraine's Trade Envoy Nataliya Mykolska commented on the results of foreign economic cooperation with the EU.
Read alsoUkraine doubles sunseed exports – UkrAgroConsultAs UNIAN reported earlier, the deficit of Ukraine's foreign trade in commodities was estimated at $887.9 million in January-April 2017, which was by 4.5% down from a $929.6 million deficit y-o-y.
Exports of goods from Ukraine grew by 26.8% during this period, while imports of goods rose by 24.3%.