(ANSA) - SOFIA - Between January and September 2017, Bulgarian exports to other EU countries increased by 10.9% compared with January-September 2016, reaching 25,542.8 million leva, according to early estimates unveiled by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on Monday as Bta agency reports. According to the official data, in September 2017, Bulgarian exports to other EU countries rose by 11.0% compared with September 2016 to stand at 3,156.9 million leva. EU imports to Bulgaria between January and September 2017 amounted to 27,278.1 million leva (in CIF prices), going up by 11.1% compared with January-September 2016. In September 2017, EU imports to Bulgaria were 3,087.9 million leva, rising by 12.6% compared with September 2016.

Between January and October 2017, Bulgaria's total exports amounted to 43,512.5 million leva, which implies an increase by 12.5% compared with January-October 2016, the NSI further said, reporting its early estimates. In October 2017, Bulgaria's total exports stood at 4,926.7 million leva, rising by 14.5% against October 2016.

Total imports to Bulgaria between January and October 2017 amounted to 48,255.6 million leva (in CIF prices), increasing by 15.4% compared with January-October 2016. In October 2017, imports to Bulgaria totalled 5,425.5 million leva, going up by 12.3% against October 2016.

The country's overall foreign trade balance was in negative territory between January and October 2017, at minus 4,743.1 million leva (exports: FOB; imports: CIF). Calculated in FOB/FOB prices, the deficit was 1,667.4 million leva. In October 2017, Bulgaria incurred a foreign trade deficit of 498.8 million leva.

Calculated in FOB/FOB prices, the deficit was 183.3 million leva. (ANSA).