OREANDA-NEWS. On 02 September 2009 was announced, that companies subordinate to the Agriculture Ministry reported a 8.4% decrease in exports in the first six months of 2009 to U.S. USD 749.8 million, a representative in the ministry told.

Imports decreased 24.1% to USD 373 million.

The reduction in exports is due to the fall in export prices. Average export prices for rye flour fell 43.9%, pork 13.7%, beef 8.4%, poultry 9.6%, butter 32.8%, cheese 28.6%, dry skimmed milk 50.6%, dry whole milk 48.7%, casein 46.3% and eggs 34.5%.

Shortfall caused by the reduction in prices was estimated at USD 233 million in January-June.

In terms of tonnes, exports increased, according to statistics provided by the ministry. Supplies of sausage rose 20%, of casein 20%, gelatin 10%, beef 60%, poultry 150%, butter 40%, dry skimmed milk 40%, dry whole milk 40%, cheese and curd cheese 20% and vegetables 40%.

Dairy products accounted for 54.7% of combined exports, meat products accounted for 34%, casein for 3.7% and eggs for 1.6%.

Supplies to Russia amounted to USD 641.8 million, down 13.8% on the year in January-June. Exports to Russia made up 85.6% of Belarus’ overall exports of farm produce. Trade with Russia came to a USD 548.2 million surplus.

Exports to other CIS countries hiked 140% to USD 60.9 million, dairy products accounting for 96.21% of the total.

Produce exports outside the CIS decreased 3% to USD 47.1 million, including USD 42.7 million worth of deliveries to the EU, down 1.4%.

Imports of farm machines and equipment made up 37.9% of all imports, of fertilizers 12.5%, of protein raw materials 10.6%, grain 6%, and chemical crop protection agents 11.9%.

Imports of pork for industrial processing dropped 88.7% on the year in January-June in monetary terms, of grain 59.5%, fish-meal 37%, fertilizers 52.2%, and crop protection agents 18.1%.

Belarus’ produce trade surplus reached USD 376.9 million in the first six months, up 15.3% on the year.