In February, an increase was seen in the importation of most of the durable goods, compared to the same month last year. However, it should be kept in mind that the accumulative contribution from electric appliances and electronics, to the state revenue is not high.
The total revenue form electrical appliances and electronics in 2004 is approximately 5% from the purchase tax revenue.
In February 2004, taxes were Febreased on a long list of products. The announcement on the Febreased caused a temporary delay of purchases and importation until the new prices were announced. Therefore, some of the increase in importation of durable goods stems from the low sales last year.
In February 2005 9,600 vehicles were imported (passenger and commercial), compared to 8,700 vehicles in February 2004 - an increase of 10%. It should be noted that in February 2004 there was especially low importation of vehicles compared to January 2004, since the announcement of reduction of VAT on march 1, 2004, significantly slowed vehicles sales in February 2004.
In the months January-February 2005, importation of vehicles totaled 19,000 compared to 21,600 vehicles during the same tile in 2004 - a Febrease of 12%. These are the lowest number in six moths. The main reasons for this was that many vehicles were released by importers in Februarys due to the concern of the strengthening of the Euro and the Yen compared to the Shekel as well as the traditionally high sales in February to improve annual sales data.
Importation of cigarettes increased in February 2005 by approximately 12%, compared to last year. An increase was also seen in the importation of other durable goods in February 2005 compared to the same time last year. Refrigerators - an increase of 8%, televisions - increase of 42%, clothes dryers - increase 120% and DVD's - and increase of 55%.
Total value of importation totaled 2.6 billion dollars - an increase of 5% compared to 2004.
