Romania ranked sixth in the European Union as far as trade deficit for the first half of 2008 is concerned, according to data published by EU's statistics office, Eurostat. 

Trade deficit widened to €10.8 billion, compared to €9.7 billion in H1 2007, Eurostat data show. The deficit increased in spite of a 18 percent growth rate for exports, higher compared to the 15 percent increase in imports. 

In H1, Romania exported goods worth €16.7 billion, some €2.5 bln higher year-on-year. Imports amounted to €27.5 billion, compared to €23.9 bln in H1 2007. (NewsIn)