Exports of chemicals fall

However, there was a strong rise in the exports of pharmaceuticals.

Israel's exports of chemicals amounted to $2.68 billion in the first quarter of 2009, 21% down on the corresponding quarter of 2008. These figures were reported by Manufacturers Association of Israel Association of Chemical and Petrochemical Industries chair Asher Greenbaum, who is also Israel Chemicals Ltd. (TASE: ICL) deputy CEO.

Greenbaum reported that Israeli chemicals are sold to 150 countries worldwide. Figures released also showed that exports of industrial chemicals fell by 37% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the corresponding quarter of 2008 to $308 million. Over the same period, exports of pesticides and disinfectants fell by 10% to $278.5, exports of minerals plummeted 53% to $171.6 million, exports of petrochemicals and plastic raw materials fell 40% to $115.3 million, exports of oil products fell 20% to $113 million and, soap, cleaning materials and cosmetics, fell 3% to $91.9 million.

On the other hand, exports of pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use climbed 28% to $1.218 billion in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 14, 2009

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009

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