OREANDA-NEWS  On 07 November was announced, that the Belarusian ruble appreciated against the basket of currencies of Belarus’ main trade partners 4.68% in real terms in January-September 2008, according to the National Bank of Belarus (NBB).

The Belarusian ruble appreciated against the Russian ruble 3.59% in the period, depreciated against the Ukrainian hryvna 7.74%, against the euro gained 10.56%, and against the U.S. dollar 7.14%.

Against the Latvian lat the Belarusian ruble appreciated 3.49%, against the Lithuanian litas 4.47%, against the British pound sterling gained 20.77%, and against the Kazakh tenge 2.21%.

In September alone, the Belarusian ruble appreciated against the basket of currencies 4.94%, and in August-September 9.18%.

The appreciation of the ruble is a major obstacle to exports, specialists believe, while cheaper imports are more welcome, which could affect the economic expansion.

Experts warn that amid the global worsening of terms of trade and chronic foreign trade deficit logged in Belarus, further appreciation of the national currency is not recommended.

The real exchange rate index indicates changes in the nominal exchange rate adjusted for inflation rates in Belarus and its trade partner.

Starting May 1, 2004 all countries, whose share in Belarus’ trade turnover is above 1%, are considered Belarus’ trade partners. Earlier, only currencies of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and Poland were included in the basket of currencies.