RAMALLAH, June 30, 2011 (WAFA) – A Thursday report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) showed that exports decreased by 9.7% in April compared to March, at a value of US$61.6 million, while imports also decreased by 18.0% for the same period, at a value of US$408.1 million.

Exports to Israel and the world declined by 16.8% in April compared to March, with exports to Israel at 93.3% of total exports.

Imports from Israel and other countries declined by 28.2%, with imports from Israel representing 76% of total imports.

The trade balance (difference between exports and imports) showed a drop in trade deficit of 19.3% in April compared to March, with the deficit now reaching US$346.5 million.

According to PCBS, the external trade preliminary results for 2010 showed an increase in both imports and exports compared to 2009, where imports reached US$4,385.3 million with an increase of 21.8% compared to 2009, and exports reached US$563.2 million with an increase of 8.6% for the same period.

F.J.