Preliminary figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics show that Israel's foreign trade deficit was $118 million in May. Goods imports totaled $3.4 billion, and exports of goods totaled $3.3 billion.
The trade deficit was $533.9 million in April.
The Central Bureau of Statistics said that figures of trade of goods in May, compared with April, was influenced by changes in the value of the dollar against other currencies in which import and export transactions are conducted. The dollar fell by 2.9% against the euro, fell 4.2% against the pound, and fell 1.8% against the yen.
Trend data calculated by the Central Bureau of Statistics, seasonally adjusted and adjusted for irregular elements, point to a drop of export of goods (excluding diamonds) of 23.7% and imports of goods point to a drop of 37.1%, at an annual rate, during March-May 2009.
In May, manufacturing exports (excluding diamonds) constituted 77% of all export of goods. Export of diamonds constituted 19%, and the remaining 4% was agricultural exports.
High tech industries represented 51% of manufacturing exports (excluding diamonds) in May ($1.3 billion). Trend data of exports by high technology industries points to a rise of 2.4%, at an annual rate.
Medium-high technology exports in the month were $400 million. Trend data of exports by medium-high technology industries point to a drop of 48.6%, at an annual rate, in March-May 2009.
Low technology industries totaled $200 million. Trend data of exports by low technology industries point to a drop of 17.9%, at an annual rate, in March-May 2009.
Exports of diamonds (polished and rough) in January-May 2009 totaled $2.3 billion, 56.9% lower than the corresponding period of 2008.
In May, 39% of total imports were imports of raw materials (excluding diamonds and fuels); 16% consumer goods, 16% machinery, equipment and land vehicles for investment; and the remainder diamonds, fuels and ships and aircraft.
Imports of consumer goods in May 2009 totaled $500 million. Durable goods imports remained stable.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 11, 2009
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009