Russia's trade surplus with CIS increased

Russia’s trade surplus with CIS increased

Russia's trade with members of the CIS reached $13.4 billion in the first four months of 2004, revealing a rise of 26.4% compared to corresponding period of last year. The Russian Economy Ministry said the pace of trade growth with CIS countries surpassed the pace of trade growth with countries outside the CIS. In January-April 2004 period, the trade surplus with CIS countries increased to $2.4 billion from $2.1 billion in the same period of last year. Russia's significant trade partners in the CIS are Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. These countries account for 90% of Russia's trade with CIS.