CROATIA RECORDS DECREASE IN TRADE WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES

ZAGREB, July 9 (Hina) - According to the latest data from the Croatian Bureau for Statistics, the downward trend in Croatia's trade with other countries is continuing. In the first five months of 1999, Croatia exported goods amounting to US$1.67 billion, which is 8.6 per cent less compared to the same period last year. In the same period, goods worth US$2.98 were imported to the country, which is a 11.1 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. Deficits in Croatia's trade with other countries in the first five months of 1999 amounted to US$1.31 billion, while in the same period last year it amounted to US$1.53 billion. The largest exports were recorded in the sale of intermediate products (except for energy), amounting to US$587.8 million (10.5% less). Croatia mostly imported capital products amounting to US$963.5 million (a 5.7% decrease). The highest increase was recorded in the import of energy (13.4%). Croatia exported goods worth US$857.2 million (a 3.7% decrease) to the European Union, while its imports from EU countries amounted to US$1.73 billion (12.9% less). The most important export market for Croatia was Italy with goods amounting to US$321.5 million, which is a 6.6 per cent decrease compared to the first five months last year. Italy is followed by Germany with US$285.8 million (a 6.5% decrease), Bosnia- Herzegovina with US$236.6 million (a 3.6% decrease) and Slovenia with US$183 million or 2.6 per cent less than last year. In the first five months of 1999, Croatia imported mostly from Germany - imported good amounted to 599.3 million (a 3.7% decrease). Germany is followed by Italy with 475.8 million (a 16.1% decrease) and Russia with 186.5 million or 8.1 per cent less than last year. (hina) rml