Kyrgyzstan's trade deficit widened 22% to $9.043 bln in 2023

BISHKEK. Feb 12 (Interfax) - Kyrgyzstan's trade deficit widened 21.5% to $9.043 billion in 2023, the National Statistics Committee said.

There was a deficit of $1.895 billion in trade with Eurasian Economic Union countries and $7.148 billion in trade with others.

Overall exports grew 46.8% to $3.309 billion and imports 26% to $12 billion. Exports to EAEU countries fell 18.2% to $1.231 billion and imports from them 4.3% to $3.126 billion. Russia accounted for 67.3% of mutual trade and Kazakhstan for 30.3%.

Export growth was driven by increases for equipment and mechanical devices - 2.2-fold, land transport means and spare parts - 80%, coal - 70%, ores and precious metal concentrates - 50%, electrical machinery and equipment - 29.8%, plastics and products - 28.3%, cotton fiber - 12% and bread and pastries - 8.9%.

Imports rose on the back of growth for land transport means and spare parts - 4.4-fold, equipment and mechanical devices - 2.3-fold, fruits and nuts - 50%, electrical machinery and equipment -21.8%, perfume, cosmetics and personal care products - 21.7% and ferrous metals - 13.6%.