According to preliminary statistics provided by the Customs Service, the volume of trade between the Republic of Moldova and Romania amounted in January-February to USD 135.7 mln, that represents a doubling of the amount (approx. 190%, or plus USD 66 mln) compared to the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce the volume of exports of Moldovan economic entities to Romania totalled nearly USD 34.1 mln, thus by 1.7-fold more as in January and February last year (+ USD 14 mln). The most exported goods were oils (sunflower oil, saffron oil, etc.) which increased in volume by 2.1 times; iron rods and bars made of unalloyed steel (by 14.7 times) and sunflower seeds (by 2.6 times). The most impressive increase, of about 74.8% in comparison to the same period last year, was shown by exports of rubber-sole footwear, plastic material, etc. At the same time, the exports of plaster stone and anhydride have tripled. Simultaneously, the value of Moldovan imports from Romania went up to USD 101.6 mln (by 2.1 times more), more by USD 52.1 mln compared with the first two months of 2006. Moldova has imported mostly garnishes, breeches and similar goods (by 196.9 times more than the same period of 2006), as well as petroleum oils and oils made of bituminous materials (+34%). In this period the imports of cars and other vehicles have also recorded an increase by approx. 2 times, totalling USD 4.1 mln. The volume of imported aluminium goods made increased by 2.6 times. The imports of the following products has diminished: demijohns, bottles, balloons, glass jars and mugs (diminished by 43.8 times); imports of fungicide, herbicide and insecticides (by 35.2 times); clothes and accessories (decreased by 28.8%), etc. The trade balance with Romania is negative and stood at USD -67.5 mln in this period (as compared to USD -29.4 mln in the same period in 2006). As for January 2007, Romania was the first country Moldova had the biggest volume of exports with, and it placed the third in imports, behind Ukraine and Russia.