Ukraine’s foreign trade deficit in goods in January-June 2025 increased by 48.9% compared to the same period in 2024, to $18.512 billion from $12.430 billion, the State Statistics Service (Gosstat) reported on Thursday.
According to its data, exports of goods from Ukraine during the specified period compared to January-June 2024 decreased by 4.2% to $20.045 billion, while imports increased by 15.6% to $38.557 billion.
Gosstat specified that in June, compared to May of this year, seasonally adjusted export volumes decreased by 5.6% to $3.321 billion, while imports increased by 2.8% to $7.186 billion.
The seasonally adjusted foreign trade balance in June 2025 was negative at $3.865 billion, while in the previous month it was also negative at $3.465 billion.
The export-to-import coverage ratio for the first six months of 2025 was 0.52 (in January-June 2024, it was 0.63).
The State Statistics Service specified that foreign trade operations were conducted with partners from 221 countries around the world.
Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center made a video analysis of the prospects for the Ukrainian and global economies. For more details, see the video — https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=F4IOLdLuVbYmEh5P
The eurozone economy grew by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months and by 1.4% year-on-year, according to revised data from the EU statistics office (Eurostat). The figures were in line with previous estimates and analysts’ expectations.
In January-March, the eurozone’s GDP grew faster, by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter and 1.1% year-on-year.
Ranking of eurozone countries by GDP growth in Q2 (quarter-on-quarter)
Overall, the EU economy grew by 0.2% in the second quarter and 1.5% year-on-year.
Among the largest economies in the eurozone, Germany and Italy showed a moderate decline, while France and Spain showed significant growth. The largest increase was recorded in Romania, and the largest decline was in Ireland.
This is the second estimate of the change in eurozone GDP out of three; Eurostat will present the final data on September 5.
Earlier, the information and analytical center Experts Club made a video analysis of the prospects for the Ukrainian and global economies. For more details, see the video — https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=F4IOLdLuVbYmEh5P
According to industry forecasts and research by the Experts Club analytical center, the construction materials market in Ukraine, including roofing systems, is showing a slight recovery after the crisis years of 2022–2023. According to 6Wresearch, this segment will grow at an average annual rate of 6.9% in 2025–2031. The main demand comes from private housing construction and projects to rebuild destroyed homes and warehouses.
The largest Ukrainian manufacturers of roofing materials are:
According to industry experts, Ukrainian production covers up to 70% of domestic demand.
According to Ukrainian customs statistics, in 2024, imports of roofing materials amounted to about 14,000 tons worth $26 million. The main suppliers were:
Country Volume (tons) Well-known brands
Poland 4,700 Braas, Creaton, Roben
Germany 3,800 Braas Monier, Erlus
Italy 1,500 Tegola Canadese, Wierer
France 1,200 Imerys, Terreal
Spain 900 Cobert, Tejas Borja
Hungary 650 Mediterran
Roofing materials are construction products and coatings designed for the upper layer of a roof, which protects the building from precipitation, wind, temperature changes, solar radiation, and mechanical influences.
Roofing materials are made from various materials, including:
Main types of roofing materials
The world leaders in the production of roofing materials of various categories are:
The Experts Club Information and Analytical Center conducted a study on plum cultivation (production) worldwide. A video analysis of the study is available on YouTube.
According to the results of 2023, Ukraine ranked 13th in the world in terms of plum production, according to a video graphic based on official data from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
The video review published by Experts Club shows the dynamics of plum production in 1991–2023 by country. According to statistics, the leading positions are held by:
TOP 5 plum producing countries in 2023:
China — the undisputed leader, with almost 7 million tons,
Romania
Chile
Serbia
Turkey
The best indicator for Ukraine in recent years was 2021, when the country ranked 9th among the world’s top plum producers. In 2023, the plum harvest in Ukraine amounted to more than 160,000 tons. The main regions for plum production are Zakarpattia, Vinnytsia, Lviv, and Chernivtsi regions.
Plums are used both fresh and for processing: dried plums, jams, juices, and pastila.
Despite military risks and the occupation of part of its southern territories, Ukraine retains its status as an important producer of stone fruits in Eastern Europe.
Global data on the production of major crops for 2024 is currently being processed and will be available within a month.
For more details, see the video review at the link.
Experts Club is a platform for analytical video discussions, interviews, and reviews on key issues in economics, politics, medicine, security, and international relations. The project brings together leading experts, scientists, businesspeople, and public figures for in-depth analysis of current events.
The channel regularly features:
interviews with relevant specialists (economists, doctors, lawyers, diplomats),
expert panel discussions,
analytical videos and infographics (including those based on data from the UN, IMF, and FAO),
reviews of the global and Ukrainian economies.
The goal of the project is to form an independent expert community and develop a culture of analytics in Ukraine.
The Experts Club YouTube channel is available at: youtube.com/@ExpertsClub
A new interview has been published on the Experts Club YouTube channel with leading Ukrainian obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences Volodymyr Terekhov, focusing on key challenges and trends in modern gynecology. The physician, with over 15 years of experience, shares his observations on women’s health, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases, as well as prospects for the development of the field in Ukraine and worldwide.
Main topics discussed
• Late diagnosis issues: According to Terekhov, up to 70% of patients seek medical help only at advanced stages of illness, including cancer, inflammatory, and hormonal disorders.
• Reproductive health: Special attention is given to declining fertility among young women, a growing trend linked to lifestyle, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
• Role of prevention: The guest emphasizes that regular check-ups and screenings (such as cytology and ultrasound) are effective early detection tools for diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.
• Technological advancement: The conversation also covers progress in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy, and new diagnostic methods.
In Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Health and international NGOs, one in three women of reproductive age faces a gynecological condition — from fibroids to endometriosis. Around 4,500 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, making it one of the most common cancers among women in the country.
Globally, according to WHO, gynecological conditions affect every second woman over 30. Cervical cancer claims more than 300,000 lives annually despite the availability of vaccination and screening. Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, and infertility affects one in seven couples.
Dr. Volodymyr Terekhov notes that the future of gynecology lies in the integration of new technologies, a multidisciplinary approach, patient education, and digitalization of healthcare. However, this requires investment, reforms, and state support.
Watch the full interview on the Experts Club YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOh20BZmI9g
Subscribe here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ExpertsClub
Germany’s central bank does not expect the country’s GDP to grow in April-June 2025 after an unexpected rise in the first quarter. The economy has “probably stagnated” and the underlying trend is still characterized as “generally weak,” according to the Bundesbank’s monthly report.
The central bank warned that the introduction of 30% import duties recently announced by US President Donald Trump would create a “significant risk of economic decline.”
“In the short term, Germany’s export industry will face additional obstacles in the form of US tariff policy,” the Bundesbank said in a report.
Germany’s economy grew by 0.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months. The GDP growth rate was the highest since the third quarter of 2022. However, this increase is largely due to attempts by businesses and exporters to get ahead of US duties.
Preliminary data on the dynamics of Germany’s GDP in the second quarter will be published on July 30.
Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center made a video analysis of the prospects for the Ukrainian and global economies, see more in the video – https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=F4IOLdLuVbYmEh5P
