Lynn: Israel trade with EU up 8.3% in first half OF 2005

The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) published last week a study based on figures published by Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) showing that Israel's trade with the EU, excluding diamonds, rose by 8.3% ($855 millions) in the first half of 2005, to $11.19 billion.
 
Mr. Uriel Lynn president of the FICC pointed out that the study also shows that the EU accounted for 37% of Israel’s total foreign trade. Lynn added that the increase in exports to the EU underlines Israel's ability to compete on equal footing with other nations.
 
Israeli exports to the EU rose in the first half of the year by 11.2%, or $466 million, to $4.6 billions. Exports to Spain rose by 19% ($53 millions), to the UK by 13% ($83 millions), and to the Netherlands by 12% ($79 millions).
 
Israeli imports from the EU rose by 6.3%, or $390 million, in the first half of the year to $6.6 billion. Imports from Belgium rose by 28% ($129 millions), from the Netherlands by 27% ($184 millions), and from Italy by 17% ($130 millions). Imports from Germany fell by 10% ($164 millions).