Bulgaria's trade deficit in the first half of the year stood at 6,500 million leva at FOB prices, while the trade deficit with EU member states added up to 3,500 million leva, according to preliminary data released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on Monday.

Imports totalled 18,500 million leva, of which those from EU member states, a little over 11,000 million leva.

Exports to third countries stood at 4,500 million leva, and imports, at 7,400 million le4va.

NSI reports a 7.5 per cent growth in exports (FOB) in January-June 2007, and an 18.5 per cent increase in imports (CIF).

In exports, most tangible is the growth, by 33.7 per cent, in unprocessed materials not for consumption excluding fuels, followed by exports of beverages and tobacco, 33.6 per cent.

In imports, the greatest is the growth in beverages and tobacco which increased thrice, followed by chemical substances and products which grew by 25 per cent.