Romania's trade deficit reached 5.81 billion euros (about 7.42 billion US dollar) in the first half of this year, rising by 37.8 percent on the same period of last year.

The huge imbalance in trade is a threat to country's the economy, the Romanian Truth newspaper said on Monday.

The newspaper also said the trade deficit would contribute 12 percent to Romania's GDP this year.

During the first six months of 2006, the main items imported included machinery, mineral products, loading trucks, plastic products and food, while items exported were low-valued products such as shoes, textiles, furniture and timber.

In addition, domestic consumption has been increasing steadily, but most of the goods consumed were imported because they are not produced in the country, or are produced in very small numbers.

The main exporters to Romania are: Italy, Germany, Russia, France, Turkey and China.

Source: Xinhua