Russian imports from non-CIS down 41.2% to $51 bln in Jan-May
MOSCOW. June 9 (Interfax) - Imports to Russia from non-CIS countries were valued at $51.04 billion in January-May 2009, down 41.2% from the same period of 2008, the Federal Customs Service (FCS) said citing preliminary data.
Russian imports were worth $10.25 billion in May 2009, down by 46.9%, or $9 billion, from May 2008.
Imports of machine building products plunged 60.8% in May 2009 compared to the same month of 2008, chemicals - 26%, textiles and shoes - 22.7% and foods - 12.8%.
Among food imports, purchases of grain fell 67.2%, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages - 40.8%, vegetable oil - 39.7%, fish - 19.8%, fruits and nuts - 19.4%, dairy products - 14.6%, vegetables - 6.7% as well as meat and meat byproducts - 6.6%. Sugar imports, however, grew 90% in May.
The decline in chemical imports resulted from a 49.2% drop in purchases of polymers and rubber, soap and synthetic cleaning materials - 25.2%, perfume and cosmetics - 22.2% as well as organic and non-organic chemical products - 19.7%. Imports of pharmaceutical products increased 5.4%.
Machine building imports fell due to a 75% decline in purchases of surface transport vehicles, mechanical equipment - 54.4% and electrical equipment - 52.4%.