Ukraine’s trade turnover climbed 12.1 percent in the first quarter, a sign of economic recovery, Deputy Economy Minister Taras Kachka reported on his Facebook page.

That was a result of a rise in both exports and imports – and meant mixed results for Ukraine’s economy.

Exports climbed 12.03 percent year-on-year to $13.75 billion. And they recorded a 15.6 percent rise in March compared to February, totalling $5.27 billion.

Imports were also up year-on-year by 12% to $15.1 billion, Kachka wrote, citing rises in imports of consumer goods and cars.

“That means that consumers are prepared to spend. It means more taxes are collected,” Kachka wrote. “But it also has a minus side for our trade balance, though the dynamics are still ahead of last year And it means more emissions in our cities.”

Kachka noted strong growth in trade with China – a rise of 55 percent. Ukraine also registered a $260 million trade balance with Turkey.

The main driving force in trade, he wrote, “is ore and ferrous metals, for which both prices and demand are rising. This trend will continue.”