Imports of machinery and investment goods surged.
Exports of goods, excluding diamonds, fell by an annualized 3% in June. The number of foreign tourist overnights plunged by an annualized 18%. Revenue by the commercial and services sectors fell by an annualized 2%, according to Central Bureau of Statistics figures on economic performance in May and June, published today.
The export of goods has declined by a steady 5% a month since December 2001. The slowdown in private consumption and retail sales has fallen 2% and 5% a month, respectively, over the same period.
The industrial output index rose by an annualized 4% in May, after rising 5% in April and 4% in March.
Imports of machinery and equipment surged by an annualized 27% in June, after rising 20% in April and 11% in March.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on July 29, 2002