Israel's trade deficit rose to NIS 6.8 billion in August 2011, the highest monthly figure in years, and 14% more than in July, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported today. Imports totaled NIS 22.4 billion in August (1.3% less than in July), and imports totaled NIS 15.5 billion, down 6.7%.
The trade deficit widened to NIS 54 billion in January-August from NIS 29 billion in 2010 as a whole.
Trade figures in August, compared with July, were affected by changes in the shekel's exchange rate. The shekel fell 3.5% against the dollar, 4% against the euro, 4.9% against the UK pound, 6.4% against the Japanese yen, and 8.5% against the Swiss franc.
Israeli high-tech exports totaled NIS 5.9 billion in August, 2.7% less than in July, and 15% less than the NIS 6.9 billion in June.
Imports of consumer products totaled NIS 1 billion in August, 16% more than in July. Food and beverages imports rose 10% to NIS 214 million, and imports of vehicles rose 14% to NIS 132 million. Altogether, imports of durable goods rose 8% to NIS 396 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 12, 2011
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