OREANDA-NEWS. May 12, 2008. The trade turnover between Belarus and Ukraine in January - March 2008 rose by 98% on the like 2007 period to have reached USD 1,2 billion, reported the Official website www.kmu.gov.ua.

The export of Belarus products to Ukrainian regions rose 2,4 times to USD 757,4 million in the first quarter of the year. Imports grew by 49,8% to reach USD 449,2 million. The balance appeared to be positive for Belarus in the amount of USD 308,2 million.

Ukraine traditionally receives Belarus tractors, automobiles, potash fertilizers, combine harvesters, ferrous metals, polymers, tires, refrigerators, wooden goods, hosiery, cord fabrics, gas ovens, sugar, fish and other products. These products enjoy high demand in Ukrainian market, making 84% of Belarus exports to Ukraine. Their sale volume in Ukraine rose by 130% - 150% and more.

Ukraine ranks third, after Russia and the Netherlands, by the size of Belarus' foreign trade turnover.

According to forecasts, the level of trade turnover between Ukraine and Belarus may grow to USD 4 billion in 2008.