According to customs officials, 25,644 vehicles were imported into Israel in August 2016 as compared to 27,300 in August 2015, representing a 6% decline. All total, from April-August 2016, 130,000 vehicles were imported as compared to 110,000 during the same period in 2015, representing an 18% increase this year.

205,222 vehicles have been imported since January 1, 2016, representing a 32% increase as compared to the same time period in 2015. The increase is attributed to the lower number of vehicle imports from January to March 2015 which followed a large number of imports in December 2014 �all connected to new taxation.

Hence, despite the decline in recent months, car imports to Israel have risen in 2016.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)