Growth slowdown attributed to agriculture softening

September 23, Pozirk. Belarus’ annual GDP growth slowed from 5.5 percent in January–July to 4.9 percent in January–August, which the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has attributed to softening in agriculture.

Agricultural output growth was down from 17 percent in January–July to 7.2 percent in January–August, the EDB said in a report.

“Since the harvesting campaign started early, the grain harvest significantly exceeded last year’s level in June–July but was noticeably lower in August,” it said.

Industry remained the key driver adding 2 percentage points to GDP growth as output increased by 7.1 percent year on year in January–August after a 7.5-percent gain in January–July.