Trend figures in recent months show that exports of goods to the US and to Asian countries have fallen, while imports have risen. Exports of goods to the US fell by an annualized 1.7% in recent months, while exports to Asia were down 2.4%, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported.
On the other hand, exports to the European Union (EU) jumped 21.9% in the past three months, and exports to the rest of the world grew by 6.2%. Total exports, excluding diamonds, rose by 8.7% in the past three months, according to trend figures.
Trend figures also show an annualized 7.9% rise in imports of goods from EU countries in November 2004-February 2005, and 16.8% growth in imports from the US. Imports were also up 14.5% from Asia, and 23.4% from the rest of the world.
Exports, excluding diamonds, totaled $2 billion in January, of which 37% was to the EU, 27% to the US, 15% to Asia, and 21% to the rest of the world. Imports, excluding diamonds, totaled $2.8 billion, in which 37% was from the EU, 19% from the US, 17% from Asian countries, and 27% from the rest of the world.
Israel’s balance of trade with the US, excluding diamonds, showed a small $18 million surplus in January, and deficits of $325 million with the EU, $194 million with Asia, and $333 million with the rest of the world.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 17, 2005