KIEV, Feb. 20 ??“ Ukraine's trade deficit in 2006 could be $2 bln reversing an expected surplus of $300 mln in 2005, Valeriy Heets, the Chairman of the Council of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), said.

"[We] can predict the balance of trade being in deficit to the tune of $2 bln. These assessments are rough. This is because the price [of energy resources], cannot currently be forecasted??¦ The assessment of $2 bln is a possible value," Heets said.