Imports up, Exports stable. Trade deficit increases four percent

The trade deficit, the resultant of exports of goods minus imports, widened four percent last year, reaching $15.7 billion, according to the Customs.

The deficit increase was triggered by a growth in imports (3.5 percent) higher than that of exports (0.8 percent). 'Real exports,' which excludes mineral products (oil transferred to Syria) and precious stones, dropped 14 percent.

Alia Abbas, Director General at the Ministry of Economy and Trade, said: "Production didn't rise in para...

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