Israel’s 2004 trade gap jumps to $6.8 billion
The Central Bureau of Statistics said that Israel's trade deficit reached $6.8 billion in 2004. The country's imports amounted to $40.5 billion last year and exports were recorded as $33.7 billion. Both figures were 20% higher than 2003 results. Import of raw materials, which accounts for 40% of total imports, rose by 23.6% on 2003 figures. Consumer goods imports, accounting for 12% of imports, showed a 19% rise and vehicle imports were 15% higher than 2003 figures.