Israel: Exports and imports decline in August
Merchandise exports fell 6.0% year-on-year in August in USD terms, contrasting July’s revised 4.2% increase (previously reported: +6.6% year-on-year). Exports have endured a choppy 2019, falling for five of eight months so far this year amid a more challenging external environment. Imports fell 6.6%, contrasting July’s 2.6% increase, and the trade deficit narrowed in annual terms from USD 1.9 billion to USD 1.7 billion.
Looking at trend data for June-August, exports rose slightly thanks to higher exports of high tech (chiefly electronics) and low-tech goods, while exports of medium-high and medium-low tech goods declined. Trend data shows imports fell sharply in June-August, led by declines in imports of raw materials, investment goods and consumer goods.