RAMALLAH, Monday, March 25, 2019 (WAFA) - Exports decreased in January 2019 by 17% compared to the previous month and also slightly decreased by 0.2% compared to January 2018 and reached $82.7 million, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Monday.

Exports to Israel decreased in January 2019 by 16% compared to December 2018 and represented 88% of total January exports.

At the same time, exports to other countries decreased by 29% during the same period compared to December 2018.

Imports increased in January 2019 by 1% compared to December 2018. It also increased by 8% compared to January 2018 and reached $502.7 Million.

Imports from Israel decreased by 2% during the same period compared to December 2018 and represented 55% of total imports in January 2019.

On the other hand, imports from other countries increased by 6% compared to December 2018.

Meanwhile, the trade balance which represents the difference between exports and imports showed an increase in trade deficit by 6% in January 2019 compared to December 2018. It also increased by 10% compared to January 2018 and reached $420 Million.

T.R.