(Ecofin Agency) - In constant rise since 2014, Mali’s exports of goods kept its uptrend in 2018 leading to a net improvement of the balance of goods.

According to the BCEAO, these exports rose by 13% in 2018 to reach XOF1,910 billion. The country’s imports increased by 6% during the period under review to XOF2,226 billion. Under those conditions, the trade balance of goods improved by about 23% year on year to -316.5 billion CFA francs.

Despite this performance, the improvement in exports of goods was unable to improve the global trade balance (goods and services).

According to figures published by the central bank of the West African states, the trade deficit rose by 8% to XOF1,380 billion while a year earlier it recorded a net improvement. Indeed, this is the first time, since 2014, the trade balance for services recorded such a deficit. It is over XOF1064 billion.

As far as the current account deficit is concerned, it plummeted by one-third to -467.4 billion CFA Franc.