In November 2001, soda ash exports rose by 15.9% compared to the same period in 2000, to 21,518.7 tons, while earnings from soda ash sales increased by 12.3% to US$ 2,230.1 thousand. In November, Russia was the largest buyer of Ukrainian soda ash, with imports increased by 24.1% to 4,200 tons (19.5% of total exports). During the same period, large quantities of soda ash were imported by Belarus (19.2% or total exports), and Italy (18.8%), while soda ash exports fell 26% compared to October 2001. In the January-November 2001 period, soda ash exports rose 27.5% compared to the corresponding period of 2000, to 296,972.6 tons for US$30,971.3 thousand. In 2000, soda ash exports increased 29.2% compared to 1999. In November 2001, soda ash production rose 24% compared to October, and by 9.7% compared to November 2000.
