BULGARIA'S EXPORTS TO EU DROP BY 1.4% JAN-APR 2012

Bulgaria's exports to other EU member states decreased by 1.4% in the first four months of 2012, amounting to over BGN 7.4 B (approximately EUR 3.75 B).

Germany, Italy, Greece, Romania and France  were Bulgaria's main EU trade partners in the period, forming 65.7% of its exports within the bloc, according to the country's National Statistical Institute.

The most significant growths were observed in Bulgaria's exports to Slovenia and Portugal, while the most notable falls were registered in the exports to Luxembourg and Malta.

In April 2012, Bulgaria's exports to EU countries increased by 8.2% year on year, amounting to BGN 2 B.

Bulgaria's imports from the EU in the period January - April 2012 increased by 7.9% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year and exceeded BGN 8.9 B at CIF prices.

The most significant growths were reported on the imports from Cyprus and Portugal, while the largest decreases were seen in the imports from Malta and Spain.

In April 2012, the Bulgarian imports from the EU Member States grew by 5.2% year on year, reaching BGN 2.3 B at CIF prices.