Israel: Merchandise exports jump at a slower rate in May
Merchandise exports jumped 18.8% over the same month last year in May (April: +48.3% year-on-year). Meanwhile, merchandise imports soared 51.5% over the same month last year in May (April: +52.0% yoy). The figures are indicative of stronger domestic and external demand.
As a result, the merchandise trade balance recorded a USD 2.6 billion deficit in May (April 2021: USD 2.6 billion deficit; May 2020: USD 0.9 billion deficit). Lastly, the trend deteriorated, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance recording a USD 26.2 billion deficit in May, compared to the USD 24.5 billion deficit in April.