Israel Trade Deficit Hits 9.8 Billion NIS in March 2026

Israel's trade deficit in goods (excluding diamonds) totaled 9.8 billion NIS in March 2026. This figure is derived from goods imports amounting to 26.2 billion NIS, compared to exports totaling only 16.3 billion NIS. For the first quarter of the year (January-March), the cumulative trade deficit stands at 33.2 billion NIS, an increase compared to the deficit of approximately 29 billion NIS recorded during the same period last year.

Europe continues to be Israel's primary trading partner, with 46% of all imports and 38% of all Israeli exports in March conducted with countries on the continent. However, trend data for the first quarter indicates a 9.3% decrease in imports from Europe on an annual basis. Conversely, exports to Europe recorded impressive growth of 11.8% annually during this period, continuing an upward trend seen in the previous quarter.

In the trade sector with Asia, a mixed and mostly concerning trend was recorded: exports to Asian countries plunged by 18.8% annually, with the hardest hit seen in relations with China—where a sharp 36.0% drop in Israeli goods exports was recorded. In contrast, imports from China showed an opposite trend, growing by 7.9% annually. Overall, the trade deficit with Asian countries in the first quarter totaled 15.5 billion NIS.

Against the Americas, Israel maintains a positive trade balance of approximately 5.7 billion NIS in the first quarter. Trend data indicates a sharp 17.0% decrease in imports from the continent (including a 7.5% decrease from the USA), while exports to the Americas remained relatively stable with a moderate annual increase of 1.7%. Meanwhile, imports from the "Rest of the World" group jumped by 29.3%, while exports to this group plummeted by a sharp 47.5% annually.

Foreign Trade Data for March 2026 (Excluding Diamonds)

Goods Exports: Totaled 16.3 billion NIS.

Goods Imports: Totaled 26.2 billion NIS.

Trade Deficit: 9.8 billion NIS.

Geographic Distribution of Trade (March 2026)

Europe: Represents the largest trading partner—38% of Israeli exports and 46% of imports to Israel originate from this continent.

Asia: 23% of exports and 32% of imports.

Americas: 32% of exports and 11% of imports.

Rest of the World: 7% of exports and 11% of imports.