RAMALLAH, July 31, 2011 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) released its External Trade on Goods report Sunday for May 2011, saying exports increased by 9.8% compared to April and reached US$67.7 million.

Exports to Israel in May 2011 also increased by 8.8% compared to April, and represented 92.5% of total exports for May.

On the other hand, exports to other countries increased by 23.5% in May compared to April.

The report said imports decreased in May 2011 by 2.9% compared to April, reaching US$396.4 million.

Imports from Israel decreased by 14.5% in May 2011 compared to April, and represented 67% of total imports in May.

On the other hand, imports from other countries increased by 33% compared to April 2011.

The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed a decrease in trade deficit by 5.1% in May 2011 compared to April, reaching US$328.7 million.

F.J.