RAMALLAH, November 23, 2017 (WAFA) – Palestinian exports and imports decreased in September when compared to the previous month, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Wednesday.

Exports decreased by 19.8% compared to August and by 2.5% compared to September 2016 and reached $73.5 million.

Exports to Israel decreased in September by 21.9% compared to August and represented 90.5% of total exports in September.

On the other hand, exports to other countries  increased by 7.7% during the same period compared to August.

Imports decreased in September by 15.2% compared to August, while it increased by 1% compared to September 2016 and reached $419.6 million.

Imports from Israel decreased by 11.3% in September compared to August and represented 58.6% of total September imports.

At the same time, imports from other countries decreased by 20.1% compared to August.

The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed a decrease in trade deficit by 14.1% in September compared to August, while it increased by 1.8% compared to September 2016 and reached $346.1 million.

M.K.