Car imports in January 2009 down 58%

Imports of electrical appliances fell by 15-25%, and imports of commercial vehicles fell by 41%
 
The economic unit of Israel Tax Authority reported last week that less than 10,000 cars were imported in January 2008, 58% fewer cars than the 25,000 cars imported in January 2007.
 
The Tax Authority noted that the decline trend in car imports began in April 2008 and increased dramatically in October 2008, as economic activity slowed, and demand by private consumers and local leasing companies fell.
 
The Tax Authority also noted that imports of electrical appliances fell by 15-25%, and imports of commercial vehicles fell by 41%.
 
Refrigerator imports fell in January by 16%, compared with the corresponding month, imports of dryers fell 15%, dishwashers by 26%, washing machines by 30%, TVs by 4%, and VCRs and DVDs by 22%.