Imports surged 71% year-on-year to USD 563.4 million, underpinned by a 75.8% increase in purchases from EU countries and a 56.3% hike in imports from CIS countries.

Meanwhile, exports went up a slower 29.5% to USD 201.7 million, led by a 56.6% rise in sales to EU countries, while sales to CIS countries fell 10.7%.