KIEV, July 27 - Ukraine posted current account deficit of $900 million (2.1% of GDP) in the first half of 2006, compared with a surplus of $2.2 billion (6.4% of GDP) in the same period of 2005, the National Bank of Ukraine reported.

Exports of goods and services rose at a faster pace than imports for the first time in the year in June at 16.4% against 12.8%. The visible trade deficit was $2,1 billion in January-June 2006 (a surplus of $800 million in January-June 2005), while the services trade surplus fell by a third to $397 million.