Israel's Trade Chief Downplays Boycott Impact, Cites Global Production Trends

Roi Fischer, head of the Foreign Trade Administration at Israel's Ministry of Economy, stated that only a few locations in Europe, specifically Spain and the Netherlands, are currently experiencing effective boycotts on Israeli exports. He addressed recent data indicating that 40% of Israel's goods exports no longer pass through the country's borders, attributing this trend to factors like the strong shekel, the relocation of production facilities abroad, and increasing boycotts, though he characterized the latter as limited.

Fischer emphasized that the shift in production is a global phenomenon, not unique to Israel, and reflects the maturation of industries. He explained that companies often move manufacturing to optimize costs and speed to market, citing examples like Samsung and Apple, whose products are largely not manufactured in their home countries. This global trend, he argued, is a natural development that allows Israeli companies to remain competitive internationally.

He acknowledged challenges faced by Israeli exporters, including shipping issues and boycotts, but highlighted the administration's efforts to support them. These include diversifying export markets towards Asia (India, Philippines) and South America (Chile, Brazil), providing grants of up to 200,000 shekels for exploring new markets, and offering detailed trade information to help companies navigate restrictions.

Regarding specific boycotts targeting companies in Judea and Samaria and the Golan Heights, Fischer confirmed proactive engagement with affected businesses. He noted that while these boycotts represent a significant event for the specific industries and communities involved, they do not constitute a macroeconomic issue for Israel. He asserted that efforts to restrict or force domestic production would be inefficient and hinder the development of a healthy export market.