- HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH: New Customs Code - New Customs Code: Will foreign trade become easier?
- Politics: Increase in political uncertainty might hamper investment climate in Ukraine.
- Real Sector: Economic development slowed in the first quarter of 2012. According to preliminary Ukrstat estimates real GDP grew by 1.8% yoy.
- Sectoral news: The NERC increased electricity tariffs for large consumption volumes attempting to stimulate energy saving.
- External sector: Current account deficit shrank to USD 1.2 bn in March due to deceleration of merchandise imports growth to 2.5% yoy.
- Fiscal policy: The State Budget amendments raise concerns on fiscal sustainability as new fiscal revenues target looks too optimistic.
- Social policy: The deficit of the Pension Fund will be higher than initially planned due to additional pensions increases.
- Labour market: Wage growth in the first quarter of 2012 is likely to be primarily attributed to increase in minimum wage.
- Monetary policy: Guidelines for monetary policy in 2012 have not yet been made public.
- Financial markets: The NBU diversified its foreign currency holdings in 2011.