Industrial Exports to the Arab world up 29% in '05

Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute (IEICI) announced last week that Israeli industrial export to Arab countries (not including diamonds) increased by 29% in 2005 and totaled an estimated USD 232.6 million
 
In its analysis the IEICI noted that almost all exports were to Egypt and Jordan, with whom Israel has official commercial relations. Most exports were in the context of qualified industrial zones (QIZs) for the joint manufacture of duty-free goods exported to the US. The biggest growth came from exports to Egypt, an increase of 214% for the year to $93m., mostly chemicals, oil refinery products.
 
The IEICI also noted that in addition to direct exports to Arab countries, $12 million was exported indirectly by joint projects of Arab and Israeli companies in third countries.
 
Israeli exports to Jordan fell 13% in 2005 to $115.2 million. The decline is attributed to the reduced effectiveness of the Israel-Jordan-US QIZ agreement after the US-Jordan free-trade agreement came into effect.
 
Israeli exports to Jordan consisted of textiles and clothing, leather, paper and printing, wood and furniture, machinery and equipment for Israeli plants in Jordanian QIZs. The analysis also noted that 66 Israeli exporters were active in selling goods in Iraq, bringing total sales there to $5.7m. for the year, up 24% from 2004.
 
The exports included security related equipment, consumer goods, freight goods, rubber and plastics, mining, quarrying and mineral materials. Exports to Tunisia was up 69% to $1.9m and exports to Morocco was up 18% to $11.2m in 2005.