Imports up Trade deficit also increases. US and China are top suppliers

'Real' imports grew to $14.3 billion in 2017, up four percent from the year before, according to the Customs.

'Real' imports exclude pearls and precious stones, as well as mineral (oil) products.

The trade deficit, which includes all products, reached $12 billion, up four percent compared to 2016.

Imports of vegetable products have gone up (13 percent), to $980 million. This is mainly due to an increase in demand for cereals. Naim Khalil, Chairman of the Syndicate of Importe...

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