KIEV, Aug. 14 – The more than twofold increase in the deficit of the non-energy and non-metal balance of trade of Ukraine over the past three years is a worrying factor when the economic situation in the country is considered, Standard & Poor's said.

In its latest analytical report on Ukraine, S&P stressed that the deficit in the balance of trade, not including the import of metals, oil and gas, and the export of metals and fuel, was less than 5% of GDP in 2005, while in 2007 it hit 10%.