Israel Increases Sales to United States; Cuts Trading Deficit by $38 Million

Israel sold more and bought less in the United States in 1967 than it did in 1966, It was announced here today. The country’s exports to the U.S. amounted to $89.9 million last year compared to $77.4 million the previous year while imports from America totalled $195.6 million in 1967 against $221.6 million in 1966. Israel’s unfavorable trade balance with the United States thus was decreased by $38 million.

The figures were disclosed in connection with today’s announcement by U.S. Ambassador Waiwort, Barbour that 53 American manufacturers will exhibit their products at the Tel Aviv International Trade Fair that opens here on June 4. The Ambassador said, at an Embassy press conference, that $1.6 million in orders for American products was expected as a result of his country’s participation in the Trade Fair. The figure was a projection based on orders arising from the last trade fair here in 1966.

Most of the American equipment and goods for display at the Fair will be landed at Haifa on May by the nuclear-powered cargo ship Savannah which will be making her first call at an Israel port. The exhibit items fall into three categories and were selected to meet the requirements of the Israeli market and this country’s economic development plans, Ambassador Barbour said. They include an electronic been welder for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, computer-controlled machine tools and food processing and packaging equipment. Many of the exhibits will be on display for the first time outside of the U.S.A. Executives and top technical personnel of the participating manufacturers will be on hand for seminars and training sessions on the operation of the American equipment and to conduct negotiations for orders.