Israeli manufacturers respond to Trump's tariffs

Israeli manufacturers responded with concern and confusion today (Wednesday) at President Donald Trump's decision to impose 17% tariffs on all Israeli goods, despite the elimination of tariffs on American goods yesterday.

Here is the official statement of the President of the Manufacturers Association:

"President of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Dr. Ron Tomer, stated that the industry expresses deep concern following the US President's decision to impose new tariffs on Israel. We will study the motivation for this, but on the face of it, the claim that Israel imposes tariffs of 33% on American goods is not understood, and therefore the step of imposing 17% tariffs is unclear.

"He further stated that this is a worrying step for Israeli exporters, which could harm jobs and reduce activity in the American market. The President's decision to apply the tariff policy to Israel could harm Israel's economic stability, deter foreign investments in the economy, and weaken the competitiveness of Israeli companies in the American market.

"The Manufacturers Association sees this decision, if it remains in place, as a regression in trade and investment relations between the countries, especially in light of the fact that there is a long-standing relationship with deep and loyal friendship between the two countries, and we hope and believe that the decision will be short-term and we will work with the Ministries of Finance and Economy and Industry to cancel it.

"Following the imposition of tariffs, the Manufacturers Association will work to develop alternative strategies to deal with the new situation, search for new markets for Israeli exports, and strengthen dialogue with American decision-makers in order to soften the negative impacts. At the same time, we will assist Israeli businesses in adapting their activities in light of the new tariffs and developing tools to deal with the expected economic challenges.

"We will continue to follow with great concern the developments in global trade wars, and will act by all means at our disposal to protect the Israeli export industry and help it maintain its stability in these complex competitive conditions.

"The Manufacturers Association calls for continued intensive contacts between Israel and the United States with the aim of changing the decision or at least reducing its scope. We emphasize the critical importance of economic cooperation between businesses from both countries, especially in the field of defense industries, and the urgent need to remove trade barriers, including quotas on the import of advanced chips from the United States, which are a central component in technological and security cooperation between the countries."