The export-import ratio was a low 46.9 per cent, while the foreign trade deficit was nearly 28 billion kuna or over $4.83 billion.
Expressed in the kuna, exports and imports in this year's first half were up 7.8 per cent from the corresponding period in 2004, while in the US dollar they were up 14.4 per cent.
The growth rate of Croatian exports of commodities in this year's first half reached the growth rate of imports.
European Union countries remain Croatia's most significant foreign trade partner, accounting for over $2.74 billion of Croatian exports and $6 billion worth of imports.
Exports to EU countries went up 11.5 per cent, while imports from there were up six per cent.
Italy remains Croatia's number one foreign trade partner. Croatian exports to Italy were $960.8 million, an increase of 13.6 per cent, while imports were $1.4 billion, an increase of 1.4 per cent.
Croatia's exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina were $547.9 million, up 13.5 per cent, followed by $464.3 million exported to Germany, an increase of 9.1 per cent.
Imports from Germany were up 8.3 per cent to over $1.36 billion, while imports from Bosnia and Herzegovina were $220.76 million, an increase of 34.1 per cent. This neighbouring country is one of the few with which Croatia has a significant surplus in the exchange of commodities.