Trump imposes higher import duties on Israeli products than on Türkiye and Egypt

President Donald Trump announced new duties on U.S. imports, with Israeli products facing a surprising 17% tariff. This figure raised eyebrows in Israel, which had anticipated a more favorable outcome due to its longstanding trade relationship with the U.S.

According to Israeli media, the duties on Israeli goods are notably higher than those imposed on several other countries, including Türkiye and Egypt, where duties are set at 10%, Caliber.Az reports.

The newly announced tariffs are part of a broader strategy, with Trump presenting a table during his announcement that compared the duties on imports from various countries, alongside the import duties those nations impose on US products.

The table revealed the following tariffs on imports to the US:

• UK: 10%

• Brazil: 10%

• Türkiye: 10%

• Singapore: 10%

• Egypt: 10%

• Israel: 17%

Despite Israel's efforts to eliminate tariffs on US goods, based on the principle of reciprocity, it was not exempted from higher duties. Israel had removed all duties on US imports on April 1, a move expected to foster closer economic ties with its largest trading partner.

Under the 1985 free trade agreement, Israel already exempts most American imports (approximately 99%) from tariffs. The new tariff exemptions apply initially to a limited range of food and agricultural products, with plans to expand to all goods over time. This change is expected to reduce the cost of living in Israel, particularly through lower food and agricultural prices.

In 2024, Israel exported $17.3 billion in goods and $16.7 billion in services to the US, a strong indicator of the nations’ deep trade relationship.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the decision, stating, "Eliminating customs duties on American goods is another step in the decade-long policy pursued by my government to open the market to competition, diversify the economy, and lower the cost of living. Beyond the economic benefits for Israel’s market and citizens, these efforts will further strengthen the alliance and ties between Israel and the United States."

By Tamilla Hasanova