RAMALLAH, October 31, 2011 (WAFA) – Palestinian exports reached US$63.4 million, registering an increase of 17.7% in August 2011 compared to July, according to a report issued Monday by the Palestinian Central Bureau for Statistics (PCBS).

Exports to Israel, which represented 89.4% of total Palestinians exports, increased by 16.4% in August compared to July, whereas exports to other countries increased by 29.6% during the same period, said the report.

PCBS said imports decreased in August 2011 by 0.1% compared to July, to reach $344.3 million; imports from Israel, which represented 63.7% of the total imports, increased by 6.0% while imports from other countries decreased by 9.3%.

The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed a decrease in trade deficit by 3.4% in August compared to July, to reach $280.9 million, added the report.

R.Q./F.J.