Israel Exports Will Reach $200, 000, 000 This Year, Minister Reports

Israel exports during the current year will reach $200, 000, 000, P. Sapir, Minister for Trade and Industry, reported today. This, he said, will include $83, 000, 000 in industrial products, $50, 000, 000 in agricultural products and $67, 000, 000 from tourism and shipping. Industrial products exported include polished diamonds, while the chief agricultural export is citrus fruits.

Four tons of Israeli grapes were loaded this week aboard the S.S. “Messapia” bound for West Germany. This is the first shipment of Israeli grapes this season. Other shipments will be sent to England. At the same time, smaller quantities of honeydew melons have been sent via air freight to England where high prices were received for them.

Israeli exports to East African countries are increasing and orders with Israeli firms received during the first five months of this year are estimated at $500, 000. The two main importing countries are Kenya and Ethiopia. Both countries imported during all of 1956 only $350, 000 worth of Israeli products. The figures already indicate a 50 percent increase for the first half year. Another important aspect of the trade with East Africa is that the goods list is very long and the fact that a regular service from Elath proved that the ports of both Kenya and Ethiopia have become outlets for Israeli exports for the whole East African region.

At the same time, Israeli goods are being exported for consignation to Mozambique. Goods include mainly Kaiser Frazer cars, Assis food products and Amcor refrigerators. A special bonded company “The Israel Stores Ltd.” has been established with Israeli and Portuguese investors participating equally. This company has currently ordered some $150, 000 worth of goods part of which has already been sent out to Mozambique.