Data
US China trade deficit falls to lowest since 2010
The US trade deficit in goods trade with China narrowed to its lowest level since 2010 last year, as imports from China fell by more than $100bn compared to the previous year.
Uzbekistan has fifth most students studying abroad
The world's two most populous nations, China and India, have the highest numbers of students studying overseas. But the Central Asian republic of Uzbekistan is in the top five as the government attempts to bootstrap its transition.
EC, EBRD remain bullish on Moldova’s “nascent” economic recovery
Moldova’s nascent economic recovery began in the second half of 2023 and is expected to strengthen from 0.7% last year to 2.9% in 2024 and 3.7% in 2025 almost entirely on domestic demand.
Polish GDP growth eases to 1.3% y/y in Q1, flash estimate says
Polish GDP expanded 1.3% year on year in the first quarter, (chart) easing slightly versus a gain of 1.6% y/y in the preceding three months, seasonally adjusted data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) showed in a flash estimate on May 15.
Uzbekistan's poverty rate dips to 11%
Country previously lacked internationally comparable estimates on indicator.
Romania’s CA balance flat y/y at €3.95bn in Q1
The current account (CA, chart) of Romania remained roughly unchanged in nominal terms (€3.95bn) in the first quarter of the year (Q1) compared to the same period in 2023, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR).
Slovenia’s economy expands by 2.1% y/y in 1Q24
Slovenia’s economy grew by an annual 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024 (chart), according to non-seasonally adjusted data released by the statistics office, SURS, on May 15.
__1715682389.png)
Russia ups budget revenues 50% in 4M24, deficit widens
The Russian federal budget posted revenue growth of 50% year on year to RUB11.7 trillion ($128bn) in 4M24, achieving revenue growth rate of 41% y/y in April 2024 alone, according to the preliminary data from the Finance Ministry.
Romania’s central bank takes cautious stance with no-change policy decision
BNR noted that the CORE inflation eased less than expected during the first quarter of the year.
_1715617947.png)
Czech inflation accelerated to 2.9% y/y in April
Consumer price indices in Czechia increased by 2.9% year on year and by 0.7% month on month as food, alcohol and tobacco prices spiked.
Uzbekistan targets 10mn tonnes of coal production by 2025
Announcement comes after state in April dispensed with regulating coal prices.
North Macedonia’s central bank cuts GDP growth projection for 2024
Forecast lowered to 2.6% after underperformance in 2023 and less favourable external environment this year.
Slovak industrial production dropped by 6.9% y/y in March
The influential sector of transportation equipment manufacturing decreased by 14.7% y/y.
Moldova’s inflation eases to 3.5% y/y in April
Lower utilities prices were the main factor dragging down overall inflation.
Israel’s exposure to Turkey trade ban most evident in construction and food, says Capital Economics
Ankara’s move is, however, unlikely to have a major macroeconomic impact in either country, assessment concludes.
_1715174778.png)
Czech industry returns to decline in March
Czech industry decreased by 2.7% year on year and by 1.6% month on month in March, the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) reported. The drop comes after a slight 0.7% y/y increase in February, which ended a three-month skid in industrial output.
_1715072180.jpg)
Growth in Kazakhstan services sustained for second successive month, April PMI shows
Firms generally upbeat on year ahead, but facing difficulties in retaining staff.
Albanian lek reaches historic high against euro ahead of Orthodox Easter
The high lek has made Albania's exports increasingly uncompetitive on European markets.
Romania’s April PMI shows output, new orders in positive area after nine-month decline
PMI index compiled by BCR Romania registered its first above-neutral score seen since data collection began last July.
Russian services PMI of 50.15 just above the no-change benchmark as Russia's economy begins to cool
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Russia Services PMI Business Activity Index just about broke even, posting 50.5 in April, down from 51.4 in March and only just above the 50 no-change benchmark. S&P Global reported on May 6.