KIEV, July 30 – Ukraine's foreign trade deficit in 2008 will hit $3.379 billion, up 13.6% from 2006’s $2.974 billion and an even sharper deterioration from 2005’s $1.292 billion surplus, according to the latest government forecast.

According to the forecast, the export of goods and services next year is estimated at $76.578 billion, which will be 20.4% up on 2007, while the import of goods and services is expected at $79.957 billion (a 15.5% rise from 2007).