Turkish trade deficit jumps 64.7 pct in first nine months

ANKARA, Oct 27 (AFP) - Turkey's trade deficit grew by 64.7 percent in the first nine months of the year to 25.4 billion dollars from 15.4 billion dollars in the same period in 2003, the state statistics institute said Wednesday.
Imports climbed by 42.4 percent to 70.2 billion dollars, while exports increased by 32.3 percent to 44.8 billion dollars, it said.
In September alone, imports were up 34.6 percent to 8.4 billion dollars, while exports rose by 34 percent to 5.5 billion dollars.
Last year, the embattled Turkish lira steadily regained value as the economy began to recover from a severe crisis that began in 2001.
Business people, however, have complained that the currency's revival is undermining exports, seen as vital for economic recovery.

10/27/2004 14:18 GMT - AFP