RAMALLAH, November 30, 2011 (WAFA) – Imports from Israel represented 71.8% of the total of imports to Palestine in September of 2011 compared to August of the same year, Wednesday said a report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

Imports from Israel increased by 14.8 % in September, while imports from other countries decreased by 20.9% during the same period, said the report.

PCBS said that the overall imports increased in September by 1.9% compared to August and reached US$350.7 million.

Palestinian exports decreased by 8.8% in September compared to August of 2011 to reach about $57.8 million.

Exports to Israel decreased in September by 7.5% compared to August, while exports to other countries decreased by 19.7% during the same period.

Exports to Israel represented 90.6% of total exports in September 2011, added PCBS.

The trade balance which represents the difference between exports and imports showed an increase in trade deficit by 4.3% in September compared to August of 2011 and reached $292.9 million.

R.Q./M.S.