BEIRUT - According to a study published by the Ministry of Industry and mentioned in Bank Audi’s weekly report, the imports of industrial equipments reached 127.7 billion Lebanese pounds, which is 84.7 million dollars during the first half of 2008.

This number shows an increase of 6.7% compared with last year’s same period.

Nevertheless, the increase of imports in the sector was unexpected because the imports were in decline during the first four months of the year. But the tendency changed in May 2008, when the majority and the opposition’s members were confronting each other in Beirut.

At that time, the rate of industrial equipment imports reached an exceptionally high level. In May, these imports climbed to 23.7 million dollars.

Germany is the first exporter of industrial equipments in Lebanon. This country assures by itself 26.8% of the exports (22.7 millions of dollars).

The Italian exports come directly after with 21.4 million dollars (25.2%), followed by the Chinese exports, which are about 10 million (11.9%). The United States’ exports come next with 4.6 million (5.4%), and finally the British ones which represent 3.9 million (4.6%).

2.9 % of the Lebanese industrial equipment imports are made with France.