Israeli industrial exports to Arab countries rose by 19% in January-September 2006 to $206 million, after rising 26% in the corresponding period of 2005.
Increased exports to Jordan and Egypt were responsible for most of the export growth this year. Israel has qualified industrial zone (QIZ) treaties with both countries, under which jointly manufactured products are exported duty-free to the US. Industrial exports to Egypt, mainly textiles, chemicals and refined oil products, rose 36% in January-September, compared with the corresponding period, to $92 million. Industrial exports to Jordan, mainly wood and furniture, paper and printing and textiles inputs, rose 12.5% to $96 million.
Israeli industrial exports to other Arab states are far more limited. 27 Israeli companies export telecommunications equipment and metals to Iraq, mainly to the US Army stationed there. These exports totaled $2.6 million in January-September, 29% less than in the corresponding period of last year.
Exports to Morocco fell 16% to $8.4 million, and exports to Tunisia fell 10% to $1.5 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 3, 2006
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