Non-CIS imports to Russia in January-April 2008 increased 52.4% year-on-year to $66.83 billion, according to preliminary data from the Federal Customs Service (FCS), Interfax reports.
In April, total imports from Non-CIS countries came to $19.75 billion, a 6.2% increase ($1.15 billion) from March.
Imports of machinery and equipment from non-CIS countries grew 3.2% to $10.9 billion in April compared to March, chemical products - 11% to $2.9 billion, food and ingredients - 5.3% to $2.4 billion while imports of textile and shoes decreased 10.1% to $790 million.
Non-CIS Imports in April 2008, in comparison with April 2007, increased by 56.6%.
Growth in imports was seen in all major merchandise categories in April. Compared to April 2007, machinery and equipment imports were up 64.3% in April 2008, textile and shoes - 45.4%, chemical products - 57% and foods - 25.5%.
Among food imports, purchases of vegetable oil from non-CIS countries soared 180% in April, vegetables and dairy products - 50%, fruits and nuts - 27.5%, fish - 17.7%, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - 16.3%, meat and subproducts - 4% and tobacco - 2.1%. Imports of sugar decreased 26.9%, as did grains, down 6.5%.