International Trade
International trade for such a small country as Lithuania is crucial. The ratio of foreign trade to GDP has always been at least 100%, and exceeded it for the last several years.
The EU is Lithuania's largest trading partner, which in 2011 accounted for 56% of Lithuania's total imports and 61% of total exports. The Commonwealth of Independent States runs closely behind as an economic union, with 34% in imports and 25% in exports), focussing mainly on mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of distillation, bituminous substances and mineral waxes. Russia has been Lithuania's largest trading partner, followed by Germany, Poland, and Latvia.
Certain economic sectors in Lithuania are basically geared to export markets. Two-thirds of the transport and logistics sector production and/or services have been exported. The export of biotechnologies accounts for 84%, plastics industry – 56%, laser technology – 86%, metal processing, machinery and electrical equipment manufacturing – 59%, furniture manufacturing and wood processing – 55%, textile and clothing industry – 79%, and food – 44%.
