Latvia’s exports down, imports up

Latvia’s cigarette imports during the first five months of this year, at 1.485 billion, were up by 0.7 per cent on those of the first five months of 2013, 1.474 billion, according to a Baltic Business Daily story quoting figures from the Excise Goods Administration of the Latvian State Revenue Service (VID).

At the same time, imports of cigars and cigarillos were up by 2.3 per cent from 45.147 million to 46.198 million, while imports of smoking tobacco were down by 37.2 per cent from 22,411 kg to 14,076 kg.

Cigarette exports from excise goods warehouses during the first five months of this year, at 680.891 million, were down by 7.1 per cent on those of the first five months of 2013.

Exports of cigars and cigarillos, at 14.05 million, were down by 32.5 per cent, while exports of smoking tobacco, at 28 kg, were said to be several times lower than they were during the first five months of 2013.

In addition to the regular exports, 13.164 million cigarettes, 12,000 cigars and cigarillos, and 35 kg of smoking tobacco were delivered to ships, airplanes and tax-free stores during the first five months.

According to VID data, tobacco products were mainly exported to other EU member states.