31 May 2004 05:28
Foreign trade surplus climbs to $24.3 bln
MOSCOW. May 31 (Interfax) - Russia's foreign trade surplus grew to $24.3 billion in January-April 2004, compared
with $19.3 billion in the same period of 2003, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry reported.
Exports increased 23.2% to $50.9 billion from $41.3 billion. The average price of Urals blend oil was $29.4 per
barrel, just above the level seen at the beginning of 2003. Prices for nonferrous metals surged with aluminum up 0.8%,
copper - 68.9%, and nickel - 71%, and gas prices increased 9%.
Imports went up 20.9%, compared with a rise of 25.6% in January- April 2003, to $26.6 billion. "Despite the
increase in the real exchange rate of the ruble and its return in real terms to pre-crisis levels, the rate of import
growth went down from the previous year," the ministry said. [RU ASIA EUROPE EEU EMRG ECI MCE TRD MET ALU ENR CRU
OIL NGS] me
[Interfax] |
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