Bulgaria's foreign trade deficit in 2008 reached 16,815 million leva, 2,540 million leva more than in 2007, show final data of the National Statistical Institute, released on Thursday.

The deficit in trade with EU countries in 2008 was 8,702 million leva, and in trade with third countries 8,112 million leva. (The data about the deficit are in FOB/FOB prices.)

Bulgaria's exports in 2008 stood at 29,736 million leva (FOB), and imports stood at 46,551 million leva (FOB).

Exports to EU countries totalled 17,833 million leva (FOB), and imports from such countries amounted to 26,536 million leva (FOB).

Bulgarian exports to third countries in 2008 totalled 11,903 million leva (FOB), and imports from such countries stood at 20,015 million leva (FOB).