UKRAINE-GDP-STATS

Kyiv, July 24 (Interfax) – Ukraine’s real GDP grew by 2.5% year in the first half of 2012, the State Statistics Committee said, quoting a preliminary figure.

GDP grew by 4.7% in June, the biggest monthly growth so far this year. Nominal GDP was UAH 631 billion in the first half of 2012.

Added value grew most in agriculture, by 7.4%, in trade, by 7.2%, in utilities, by 4%, and in the mining industry, by 2.9%.

Industrial output rose by 0.4%, with 10% growth in chemicals and petrochemicals, 4.2% in the power sector, and 2.7% in the mining industry – including 4.7% for coal.

The budget foresees GDP rising by 3.9% this year as a whole, but international financial organizations and independent experts think 1-3% is more likely. The economy grew by 5.2% in 2011.

[UA EUROPE EEU EMRG MCE]

17:17:26 EET-2