Earlier this month, Türkiye said it was stopping exports to Israel during the duration of the Israel-Hamas war, citing “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in the Palestinian territories. However, the Turkish Trade Ministry has said that companies have three months to fulfill existing orders via third countries.
Israel to improve trade relations with Türkiye if Israel-friendly Turkish President seizes power
“His (Erdogan’s) announcement of the stoppage of imports to Israel constitutes a declaration of an economic boycott and a serious violation of international trade agreements to which Türkiye has committed,” Smotrich said in a statement.
He noted that Israel’s actions would only last as long as Erdogan remained in power.
“If at the end of Erdogan’s term the citizens of Türkiye elect a leader who is sane and not a hater of Israel, it would be possible to return the trade route with Türkiye,” Smotrich said.
Israel tries to reduce dependency on Türkiye
Under Smotrich’s plan, all the reduced customs rates applicable to goods imported from Türkiye to Israel according to an agreement to the free trade deal would be abolished.
At the same time, a duty would be imposed on any product imported from Türkiye to Israel at a rate of 100% of the value of the goods in addition to the existing duty rate.
The finance, economy, and foreign ministries, the statement said, would also take steps to strengthen Israel’s manufacturing while diversifying sources of import to reduce the dependency on Türkiye.
Israel’s Manufacturers’ Association called Smotrich’s plan “an appropriate response” for not allowing Erdogan to damage the economy without a response.
