Industrial exports was 4% up in April-July

The Manufacturers Association (MAI) of Israel reported last week in April-July 2005 Industrial exports, excluding diamonds, grew 4% to $8.5 billion. The Manufacturers Association noted, however, that 4% growth in industrial exports was recorded after falling 1.5% in the first quarter.
 
According to statistical analysis made by the MAI, exports in dollar terms in April-July to the European Union were up 5.9%; exports to the US rose 3.5%, exports to Asia grew 1.1%, and exports to the rest of the world fell 2.6%.
 
Following the publication of the April-July export performance, Manufactures Association president Shraga Brosh predicted that industrial exports would continue growing in the coming months, although at a slower pace than in 2004.
 
He argued however the rise in exports in April-July can largely be attributed to economic improvement in the USA and in Europe.
 
The MAI press release shows that exports of electronic components, computers, communications equipment, monitoring and supervision equipment, transportation equipment, and drugs (high-tech sector) were up 5.5%, chemicals and refined oil products(medium-high technology sector) rose by 6%. Exports by the medium-low technology sector : mining and quarrying, non-metal minerals, rubber and plastics, and metal fell 2%.
 
Exports were up 3%, in the low technology sector: food, beverages, paper and printing, wood and furniture, textiles and clothing, leather products.