CBS: Slowdown intensified in imports, exports

Exports of mixed high-tech exports, 31% of industrial exports, fell by an annualized 21.3% in November-January. Imports of goods totaled $3.4 billion in January
 
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported last week that exports of goods, excluding diamonds, fell in November 2008-January 2009 by an annualized 23%, after falling 22% in June-September 2008.
 
The CBS noted that high-tech exports which account for 43% of total industrial exports excluding diamonds, rose in November-January by annualized 3.8%, after falling 15.9% in the three months August-October.
 
Exports of electronics and computer components rose by an annualized 15.4% in November-January.
 
Exports of mixed high-tech exports, 31% of industrial exports, fell by an annualized 21.3% in November-January, after falling 19.8% in August-October. Chemicals exports fell by an annualized 21.6% in November-January.
 
Exports of rough and polished diamonds plummeted 66% to $406 million in January 2009 from $1.18 billion in January 2008.
 
Imports of goods totaled $3.4 billion in January. The Bank of Israel reported last week in its Review of Recent Economic Developments that the slowdown of economic activity became more severe in the months September to December 2008, and inflationary pressures weakened substantially.