During the first eight months of the year 2000 Israel's total exports were almost $16 billion. The country is well on its way to a record export year led by strong growth in the Asian, American and most European markets. The growth of exports to European Union countries, which now buy 41 percent of Israeli exports ($5.6 billion), is especially encouraging. This bloc has surpassed the United States as Israel's major export market. During the first eight months of the year 2000 America bought 36 percent ($5.8 billion) of Israel's exports. The number one Israeli export to the Europea