Israel’s trade deficit jumped 88% in January-February, due to a 50% rise in fuel and energy imports to $1.2 billion, compared with $800 million in the corresponding months of 2005, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported today. Israel’s trade deficit rose by $794 million in January-February, to $1.69 billion, compared with $899 million in January-February 2005.
The export of goods fell by 2% in January-February to $5.86 billion, while imports rose by 10% to $7.55 billion. Israel’s trade deficit totaled $744 million in February, 50% more than in February 2005. Exports totaled $2.9 billion and imports $3.65 billion.
Diamond imports totaled $1.3 billion in January-February, the same as in the corresponding months of last year. Diamond exports totaled $1.7 billion in January-February, 15% less than in the corresponding period of last year.
Agricultural exports totaled $235 million in January-February, 8.7% less than in the corresponding period of last year. Changes in the balance of trade in February were partly due to a rise in the dollar against most currencies.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on March 12, 2006
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