RAMALLAH, May 22, 2017 (WAFA) – Exports, imports and trade deficit increased in March compare to the previous month and year, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Monday.

Exports increased in March by 9.5% compared to February, and by 12.5% compared to March, 2016 and reached $86.7 million.

Exports to Israel increased in March by 12.1% compared to February and represented 88.9% of total March exports.

On the other hand, exports to other countries decreased by 7.6% during the same period, said the PCBS.

Imports also increased in March by 3.4% compared to February and by 5.8% compared to March, 2016 and reached $427.4 million.

Imports from Israel increased by 13.3% in March compared to February and represented 62.7% of total March imports.

On the other hand, imports from other countries decreased by 9.7% compared to February.

The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed an increase in trade deficit by 2.0% in March compared to February and by 4.3% compared to March, 2016 and reached $340.7 million.

M.K.