$4.9 billions increase in foreign trade in first 8 months

Figures released by the economic department of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce and based on data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics show that imports are up by $2.9 billions ( 19.5%) compared to same period last year and exports are up by $2.1 billions ( 15.5%) during first eight months.
 
In August total registered trade was up by $733 millions (21.1%) compared with August last year. Import was up $571 millions ( 30.7%) and exports up $162 millions ( 10.0%). The increase in August was due to a total downfall in July when port workers staged industrial dispute bringing foreign trade to a halt.
 
 
Raw materials
Raw material imports, excluding diamond and energy, was up by 23.3% ( $2.0 billions) compared to same period last year.
 
Imports made by the high-tech sector in the first eight months was up 26.8% ( $809 millions) raw material import other than high tech was up 19.5% ($753 millions): chemicals $235 millions, rubber & plastic $153 millions, iron & steel $148 millions, non ferrous metals $79 millions.
 
 
Capital goods
Import of capital goods, excluding ships and planes, registered an increase of 13.1% ($457 millions) compared to last year.
 
Machinery & equipment was up $238 millions, motor vehicles up 29.9% ( $156 millions)
 
 
Consumer goods
Seasonally adjusted figures for import of consumer goods show increase of 18.1% ($499 millions) compared to same period last year. The increase consists of 11.3%($185 millions) in consumer goods and 28.4% ( $314 millions ) increase of durables.
 
The highest increase in import was registered in motor vehicle – 31.4% ($141 millions) whereas textile & shoes were up 11.9% ($53 millions).