OREANDA-NEWS. June 18, 2007. In January-April 2007, the Gomel oblast’s merchandise trade totalled $2,32 billion, 29,2% up on the same period in 2006. In the meantime export swelled by 10,2% to $1,54 billion, import — 96,2% up to $779 million, the overseas trade relations department of the Gomel oblast administration, reported the press-centre of  Gomel Invest.

The merchandise trade surplus amounted to $761 million.

The import rise is attributed to new terms regulating purchase of Russian oil for Mozyr Oil Refinery. Experts say, the situation with oil supplies, including oil supplied as part of outsourced refining schemes, has stabilised. The fact positively influences the performance of the Gomel oblast as a whole. For example, in January-February export growth rate amounted to only 96% as against last year’s period, while the situation drastically changed in March-April.

In January-April export of ferrous metals and products was on the rise in cost terms. Over the four months Byelorussian Steel Works increased exports by 45,3% up on the same period in 2006. Export of chemical industry goods, machines and equipment as well as textile has increased.

Among the main trade partners of the Gomel oblast were mentioned Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ukraine.