Israel's trade deficit up in Q1

Israel’s trade deficit up in Q1

Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics disclosed that the country's trade deficit rose from $1.19 billion in the first quarter of 2004 to $1.68 billion in the first quarter of 2005. Exports rose 8% to $9.15 billion in the first quarter while imports increased 8.7% to $10.8 billion. Israel's trade deficit amounted to $774 million in March 2005, up 66% month on month and 34% year on year. Exports totaled $3.2 billion in March and imports amounted to $4 billion.