Trade and Labor Ministry: volume of trade with Turkey up 30%

Exports to Turkey between January and July 2010 totaled US$811.8 million. The increase comes despite a sharp deterioration in political relations between the two countries
 
According to raw data collected by the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry and Israel's commercial attachי in Ankara the volume of trade between Israel and Turkey increased by 30% in 2010 compared to 2009.
 
The rise in trade was recorded despite the political problems overclouding the relations between the two countries since last May.
 
The increase comes despite a sharp deterioration in political relations between the two countries, which was further aggravated when Israeli commandos raided an activist ship carrying aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip as part of an international campaign led by a Turkish Islamist charity.
 
Last August the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reported that Exports to Turkey between January and July 2010 totaled US$811.8 million, up 32% on the same period of 2009. Israeli imports from Turkey rose 30% to US$1.04 billion during the same period.
 
According to figures compiled recently by the Central Bureau of Statistics, Israeli exports to Turkey and Turkish imports to Israel were both up by 30% in the past year.
 
The growth in bilateral trade was recorded mainly in the exports of chemical substances, agricultural products and refined fuel.