Palestine Trade Gap Widens in May

Palestine’s trade deficit widened to USD 526.4 million in May 2026 from USD 455.9 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports increased 25% from a year earlier to USD 193.3 million, driven mainly by a 33% rise in shipments to Israel, which accounted for 96% of total exports. In contrast, exports to other countries decreased by 45%. Meanwhile, imports rose 18% year-on-year to USD 719.7 million. Imports from Israel surged 42% and representing 65% of total imports, while purchases from other countries declined 10% compared with May 2025. Over the January-May period, the trade gap expanded to USD 2,573.5 million from USD 2,322.0 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Palestine’s trade deficit widened to USD 485.3 million in April 2026 from USD 428.0 million in the corresponding month of the previous year. Exports rose 39% from a year earlier to USD 188.1 million, driven largely by a 43% increase in shipments to Israel, which accounted for 92% of total exports. Exports to other countries also edged up 3%. Meanwhile, imports increased 19% year-on-year to USD 673.4 million. Imports from Israel surged 39% and represented 62% of total imports, while purchases from other countries declined 3% compared with April 2025. Over the January-April period, the trade gap expanded to USD 2,047.1 million from USD 1,866.1 million in 2025.

Palestine’s trade deficit narrowed to USD 471.5 million in March 2026 from USD 491.5 million in the corresponding month of the previous year, marking the smallest deficit since June 2025, as exports rose more than imports. Exports jumped 33% year-on-year to USD 171.8 million, driven largely by a 36% rise in shipments to Israel, representing 94% of total exports, while sales to other countries dropped by 1%. Meanwhile, imports rose by 4% to USD 643.3 million, lifted by an 18% increase in purchases from Israel, representing 61% of total imports, while purchases from other countries dropped 13%. Over the January–March period, the trade gap expanded to USD 1,561.8 million from USD 1,438.1 million in 2025.