Food imports worth 2bn euros

The trade balance for foodstuffs saw a deficit standing at 1,348 million euros last year, about 287 million euros more than in 2004, because of the 23% increase in imports, up to 2 billion euros. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, foodstuff exports saw a 15% growth to 673 million euros, whereas imports grew by 22.6% against 2004. The main product imported to Romania last year was pork, which accounts for 15.5% of the total value of food bought from abroad. Imports of pork reached 314 million euros last year, over 75% more than in 2004. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, among the top-ranking imported products are cigarettes and tobacco, worth 250 million euros, sugar – 112 million euros and chicken meat – 106 million euros. Romania also imported citrus fruits and bananas worth 94.5 million euros, other food products – 89.7 million euros, coffee – 69.9 million euros, frozen fish – 41 million euros and fresh vegetables – 28.8 million euros. ZF