HAVANA, 18 (AP) - Cuba must cut back on unnecessary imports and boost exports, the communist government's economic planners said in comments published Saturday.

Without providing specifics on Cuba's trade deficit, economics minister Jose Luis Rodriguez and trade minister Ricardo Cabrisas reported that Cuba's trade with other countries last year was $5.1 billion, down 3 percent from 1998.

The ministers made their assessment, quoted in the Communist Party daily Granma, following an annual look at Cuba's trade situation. A breakdown of products and trade currencies was not provided.

Total exports were down 4 percent in 1999 from the previous year, in large part because of a 37 percent drop in sugar prices. Nevertheless, Cuba has seen an overall increase in exports over the decade, following the collapse of the former Soviet Union.

Imports fell 3 percent from 1998, mostly because of increasing prices on combustible and other goods. The ministers underscored the need to produce in Cuba many of the things it is importing to balance the trade deficit.

Cuba does business with 146 countries, the most important trade partners being Spain and Canada, followed by Venezuela, China and Russia.

Europe accounts for 45 percent of Cuba's trade, while Latin America accounts for 38 percent.

AP-NY-03-18-00 1938EST

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press

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