KIEV, Dec. 2 – The deficit of Ukraine's balance of foreign trade in 2012 will reach $6.62 billion under a pessimistic scenario and $5.23 billion under an optimistic scenario.

The improved forecast was approved by cabinet resolution No. 1216 of November 28 published on Thursday.

The previous forecast approved by the government in late August 2011 foresaw the deficit of Ukraine's balance of foreign trade in 2012 at $9.1 billion under a pessimistic scenario and $5.62 billion under an optimistic scenario.

According to the revised pessimistic scenario, next year export will expand by 6.3% and import by 6.4%, while in August the government expected their growth by 9.2% and 13.3% respectively.