Russian-Kazakh trade $5.5 bln for H1 2016, still trending down
ALMATY. Oct 4 (Interfax) - Trade between Russia and Kazakhstan came to $5.5 billion in 2016, Kazakh Deputy Minister of National Economy Timur Zhaksylykov said.
"As for our trade with the Russian Federation, it is decreasing. In the first half of 2016, that trade amounted to $5.5 billion and, unfortunately, the downward trend continues for the third year in a row," Zhaksylykov said on Tuesday at the 13th Forum of Interregional Cooperation of Kazakhstan and Russia in Astana.
In the first half-year, Kazakhstan boosted exports of wheat, bearings, ore and copper concentrate to Russia by 100%-300%. Meanwhile, the deliveries of Kazakh accumulator cells, ferroalloys, aluminum and non-alcoholic drinks to Russia increased by 40-80%.
"Russia also ramped up supplies of some products such as ore, hydrocarbons, pipes, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and poultry by an average of 60%," he said.
"In January-July, Kazakhstan's trade with third countries fell by nearly 30%. Exports totaled $20 billion, a decrease of 30%; imports of $13 billion decreased by 29%," he said.
