Russia’s foreign trade turnover totaled $98.4bn in the first quarter of 2006, a 29.8% rise over the first quarter of 2005. According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the surplus made up $36.6bn against $24.5bn in the first quarter of 2005. 88% of the surplus was built up by trade transactions with non-CIS countries.
      
      Exports amounted to $67.5, a 34.6% leap on last year’s figures, the Ministry reports. The imports rose 20.4$ on last year’s first quarter figures to reach $30.9bn, says the ministerial paper.
      
      SOURCE: www.rbc.ru