OREANDA-NEWS. October 26, 2009. Companies subordinate to the Agriculture Ministry reported a 9.4% decrease in exports in the first eight months of 2009 to USD 993.4 million, a representative in the ministry told. The reduction in exports is due to the fall in export prices.

Average export prices for rye flour fell 44.5%, pork 16.7%, beef 10.6%, poultry 6.2%, butter 33.5%, cheese 27.7%, dry skimmed milk 50.5%, dry whole milk 45.6%, casein 50.6% and eggs 27.9%. Shortfall caused by the reduction in prices was estimated at USD 344.7 million in January-August.

In terms of tonnes, exports increased, according to statistics provided by the ministry. Supplies of sausage rose 20%, of casein 30%, gelatin 10%, beef 60%, poultry 150%, butter 60%, dry skimmed milk 20%, cheese and curd cheese 20% and vegetables 30%. Dairy products accounted for 55.1% of combined exports, meat products accounted for 32%, casein for 4.5% and eggs for 1.7%.

Supplies to Russia amounted to USD 826.7 million, down 16% on the year in January-August. Exports to Russia made up 83.2% of Belarus’ overall exports of farm produce. Trade with Russia came to a USD 693.4 million surplus.

Exports to other CIS countries hiked 170% to USD 87.4 million, dairy products accounting for 96.1% of the total. Produce exports outside the CIS decreased 3% to USD 79.3 million, including USD 67.8 million worth of deliveries to the EU, up 2%.

Imports of farm machines and equipment made up 41.6% of all imports, of fertilizers 12.5%, of protein raw materials 9.8%, grain 4.9%, and chemical crop protection agents 9.8%. Imports of pork for industrial processing dropped 88.3% on the year in January-August in monetary terms, of grain 63%, fish-meal 28.9%, fertilizers 52.9%, and crop protection agents 26.2%. Belarus’ produce trade surplus reached USD 501.6 million in the first eight months, up 21.9% on the year.