Industrial exports in 4 months see slight hike

Figures released by the Industry Ministry show that industrial exports totaled $1 billion in the first four months of 2012, constituting a marginal increase of 0.5 percent from the same period last year. Industrial exports reached $222.7 million in April 2012, down 20.8 percent from $281 million in March 2012 and down 21.8 percent from $284.9 million in April 2011. Pearls and precious or semiprecious stones accounted for $257.8 million, or 25 percent, of total industrial exports in the first four months of the year, followed by machinery and mechanical appliances with $160.9 million (15.6 percent), and base metals & articles of base metals with $153 million (14.8 percent). Arab countries accounted for 57.4 percent of total industrial exports in April, followed by European countries with 14 percent, African countries with 11.6 percent and Asian countries with 10.9 percent.