Chamber of Commerce : foreign trade up by $4.2 billions in first 7 months

Trade data published by the economic department of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce show $87 millions fall in foreign trade for July due to ports strike. During the first seven months export was up by 16.3% ( $1.9 billions ) and import up by 18% ($2.3 billions )
 
Foreign trade analysis made by the economic department of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, based on data provided by the Central Bureau of Statistics ( CBS ), show an 18% surge in imports of goods during January – July compared with the same period in 2003.
 
During the first seven months, an increase of 21.8% ($1.6 billions ) was registered in the import of raw materials ( excluding diamonds, energy products ) compared with same period last year. Imports for the high-tech industries registered 25.1% ( $ 602 millions ) however basic industries was up 17.7% - chemicals $183 millions/ plastic & rubber $121 millions, iron & steel $126 millions, metals and non ferrous metals $ 68 millions.
 
12.3% increase ( $365 millions ) was registered in the import of capital goods excluding ships and planes during the first seven months.
 
15.5% increase was registered during the first seven months in the consumer goods import ( an increase of $367 millions ) compared to same period last year.