Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute director Yechiel Assia said last week that in January-June 2005 Israel’s industrial exports to Arab countries, excluding diamonds, grew 21% to $106 million, compared with the corresponding period in 2004.
In a press release Assia noted that the first half figures did not include indirect exports to Arab countries through third countries valued $6 million.
Regarding export to Iraq Assia said that exports in the first half of 2005 totaled $2.6 million, 7% more than in the corresponding period last year. In all of 2004 exports to Iraq totaled $5 million.
He added that 66 Israeli exporters ship goods to Iraq, mostly vehicle equipment and spare parts, defense and consumer products, metals, rubber and plastics products and minerals.
Exports to Jordan dropped 10% in the first half of the year to $58.3 million, compared with the corresponding period last year. Exports to Jordan made up of machinery, equipment, textiles, clothing, leather, wood, furniture, paper and printing. 1,800 Israeli exporters are currently operating in Jordan, 120% more than in 2003.
The number of Israeli exporters operating in Egypt rose last year 9% . 123 Israeli exporters currently operate in Egypt. Assia noted that the signing of the QIZ agreement (qualifying industrial zones agreement) had the potential to greatly improve business with Egypt.
Exports to Egypt grew 141% to $34 million in the first half of the year, mostly chemicals, refined oil products, textiles, clothing, and leather. 28 Israeli exporters current operate in Morocco, 40% more than in 2003. Exports to Morocco grew 43% to $6.3 million in January-June 2005.
Exports to Tunisia increased by 159% to $1.4 million, mostly chemicals.
Exports to the Lebanon plunged 84% to $19.5 million, mostly office machinery, computers, textiles and clothing, and chemicals.
