RAMALLAH, February 19, 2018 (WAFA) - The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed an increase in deficit by 7.3% in December compared to November, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Monday.

When compared to December 2016, trade balance increased by only 0.3% and reached $373.9 million.

The PCBS said imports increased in December by 6.3% compared to November and by 2.6% compared to December 2016 and reached $469.2 million.

Imports from Israel increased by 1.7% in December compared to November and represented 56.6% of total imports.

At the same time, imports from other countries increased by 12.9% compared to November.

Palestinian exports also increased in December by 2.5% compared to November and by 12.8% compared to December 2016 and reached $95.3 million.

Exports to Israel increased in December by 6% compared to November and represented 85.4% of total December exports.

On the other hand, exports to other countries decreased by 14.2% during the same period.

M.K.