RAMALLAH, December 28, 2011 (WAFA) -  Palestinian exports increased by 9.0% while imports to Palestine decreased by 6.6% in October of 2011 compared to the previous month, according to a report published by the Palestinian Central Bureau for Statistics (PCBS) on Wednesday.

Exports reached US$63.0 million while imports reached $327.5 million in October, said PCBS.

Exports to Israel, which represented 86.0% of the total Palestinian exports, increased by 3.5% in October compared to September 2011, whereas exports to other countries increased by 62.6% during the same period.

Imports from Israel represented 63.8% of the total imports to Palestine and decreased by 17.1% in October 2011, compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, imports from other countries increased by 20.0% in the same period.

The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, reached $264.5 million in October, registering a decrease in trade deficit by 9.7% compared to September, added PCBS.

R.Q./F.J.