MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) – Belarus stepped up merchandise exports to almost all the regions in 2021. Exports to the European Union grew the most (by $4.1 billion, or 74.4%), reads the Annual Review of Foreign Policy of the Republic of Belarus and Activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021 published on the ministry's website, BelTA has learned.
According to the document, economic diplomacy was traditionally high on the agenda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The recovery of the global economy had a favorable impact on Belarus' foreign trade. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2021 Belarus' merchandise exports totaled $39.9 billion, up 36.7% from the previous year. Belarusian products of petrochemicals, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, woodworking, food and agricultural industries, light industry products, furniture, glass, fiberglass, and cement were in high demand in the international market.
Belarusian sold its products to 174 countries and territories, including resumed exports to 12 countries.
Belarus' merchandise exports increased to almost all regions, the ministry stated. "Belarus' export to the EU rose the most (by $4.1 billion, or 74.4%). The country stepped up supplies to 21 EU countries," the review says.
Belarus' exports to Russia surged by 24.6%, to other EAEU countries – by 25.9%. Exports to the CIS countries (excluding the EAEU) and Georgia ballooned by 67.3%, mainly due to the increased supplies to Ukraine.
Exports to distant countries rose by 21.4%, including to China - by 16.1%. The share of the EU and distant countries in Belarus' total exports increased to 35%. Belarus' foreign trade balance improved by $1.7 billion as against 2020, as export growth exceeded that of import by 9.1%. The surplus of foreign trade in goods and services as a result of outpacing growth of exports over imports (by 3.6%) amounted to $3.8 billion, up by $1.9 billion over the previous year.
