RAMALLAH, November 10, 2008, (WAFA)- The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) announced, Monday, that the total of Palestinian imports of goods amounted to $3,020 Million in direct imports, an increase by 9% compared with 2006.

According to the preliminary results of the Palestinian foreign trade statistics with world countries for 2007, the total of Palestinian imports of goods amounted to $3,020 Million in direct imports; 74% of imports were from Israel and 26% were from other countries, and increase by 9% compared with 2006. The main results indicate a 19% increase in imports of Petroleum products and electric, and 15% in chemical products and medicines.

The results indicate that there was a decrease in the machinery and transport equipment by 9%. Regarding country groups, the results indicate an increase of 36% from Arab Countries, 17% from American Countries, and a decrease of 2% from European Union and 4% from Asian Countries.

The total value of Palestinian exports of goods amounted to $392 Million. Exports increased by 7%.

Regarding country groups, the results show an increase of 78%; 42% in exports to the European Union and American Countries respectively and a decrease of 10% to the Arab Asian Countries.

The trade transaction on goods amounted to $3,412 Million, with an increase of 9%, while the trade balance deficit on goods amounted to $2,629; an increase by 10%.

Preliminary results for the imports and exports of goods for the year 2007 were prepared based on 87% of the vouchers of the value added tax (VAT). It is expected that values will increase when the data from all sources is complete. The main results are expected to be published prior to the end of  2008 .