RAMALLAH, April 25, 2017 (WAFA) – Exports and imports dropped in February compared to January even though they showed a large increase when compared to the same month a year ago, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Tuesday.

Exports slightly decreased by 0.3% compared to January, but increased by 14.8% when compared to February 2016 and reached $79.2 million, it said.

Exports to Israel decreased by 0.9% compared to January and represented 86.9% of total exports.

On the other hand, exports to other countries increased by 5.0% during the same period.

Imports decreased in February by 2.2% compared to January, but increased by 9.5% compared to February 2016 and reached $413.2 million, said the PCBS.

Imports from Israel increased by 18.5% in February compared to January and represented 57.3% of total February imports.

On the other hand, imports from other countries decreased by 20.7% compared to January.

The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed a decrease in trade deficit by 2.6% in February compared to January, while it increased by 8.3% compared to February 2016 and reached $334 million, according to PCBS data.

M.K.