Ministry of Trade Shares Chronological Process of Trade Suspension with Israel
Foreks - The Ministry of Trade released a statement outlining the chronological process of halting trade with Israel following the attacks on the Gaza Strip that began on October 7, 2023.
After the attacks on Gaza, Turkey completely suspended all export and import transactions with Israel for all products starting from May 2, 2024. In this context, the Ministry of Trade published a written report detailing the daily chronological process of halting trade with Israel.
The report indicated that during this period, as diplomatic initiatives were pursued against Israel's attacks, trade measures led to a reduction of approximately 32% in trade with Israel at the initial stage. Due to Israel's failure to comply with UN resolutions and the recent obstruction of humanitarian aid provided by Turkey, a series of measures were implemented against Israel with the approval of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. From April 9, exports of 1,019 products in 54 categories from Turkey to Israel were restricted.
The report stated that due to the ongoing aggressive stance of the Israeli government, the process moved to the second phase, where all import and export transactions were halted as of May 2. Within this context, Turkey forfeited about $9.5 billion of its foreign trade in 2023, which was around $7 billion in exports, compared to $5.5 billion in 2023.
The note also addressed some misconceptions in the public domain. Regarding whether Israel still benefits from the Free Trade Agreement signed between Turkey and Israel in 1996, which has been in force since May 1, 1997, it was noted that the agreement is effectively inactive and not applied until Israel stops its attacks and allows humanitarian aid to flow to Palestine.
"No goods can exit our country if the importer is not Palestinian and the destination is not Palestine," the report stated.
In response to claims about whether ships departing from Turkey dock at Israeli ports, it was clarified that the coastal cities of the State of Palestine are occupied by Israel, meaning the Palestinian state does not have a police force, port, airport, customs, or land border. Palestine consists of cities and towns surrounded and besieged by Israel. As a result, 98% of the goods sent from our country to Palestine must reach their destination through Haifa and Ashdod ports under Israeli control. Following the persistent request from the Palestinian Government and the Palestinian Ministry of Economy during a bilateral official meeting held in Istanbul on June 7, a unique controlled trade mechanism was developed with the Palestinian Ministry of Economy, considering the risk at Haifa Port. Under this mechanism, each shipment by Palestinian exporters requires approval from the Palestinian Ministry of Economy, and after necessary commercial details are confirmed electronically by the two countries' Trade Ministries, customs registration for the shipments is carried out. No goods can exit our country that have not been confirmed by the Palestinian Ministry of Economy or have not reached our Trade Ministry.
The report also addressed claims regarding whether ships change routes during navigation or declare to be going to other countries but ultimately proceed to Israel, stating that Turkey does intervene with ships operating within its maritime jurisdiction and monitors potential abuses.
The note included information on whether exports through neighboring countries could reach Israel, indicating that following Turkey's decision to cease exports to Israel, exports to Greece increased by 10%, although this increase does not reflect the implied trend. It emphasized that in light of Turkey's annual $261.5 billion merchandise exports and $340 billion merchandise imports, contributing to approximately 50% of national income, vigilance is necessary against the commercial propaganda of Israel, which clearly intends to harm Turkey's foreign trade and national income.
"Palestine imports approximately 25% of its annual needs from our country," the report stated.
In response to allegations about whether cosmetic and steel products are being sent to Palestine, it stated, "Palestine, with a population of approximately 6 million encompassing the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, has a great need for many products. Based on the request of the Palestinian Ministry of Economy, export is allowed only when it is confirmed that the recipient is a Palestinian importer, formally verified with the Palestinian Ministry of Economy.”
In the note, it was clarified regarding claims of allowing shipments carrying goods destined for Israel from Turkish ports that no goods can be loaded from Turkish ports intended for Israel. Additionally, the note underscored that Turkey's foreign trade involves approximately 13,000 different products and an annual handling of about 8.3 million containers, and that imports of Israeli products via third countries are explicitly not allowed.
The note also addressed claims that trade between Turkey and Israel continues, stating that after May 2, there have been no imports or exports to Israel, and Turkey's statistical data showed no trade with Israel since May.
Furthermore, the note highlighted that following the decision to halt trade with Israel, many platforms have targeted Turkey's decision.
Regarding claims about oil shipments from Turkey to Israel, the note categorically stated that the allegations regarding oil shipments from Ceyhan to Israel and Turkey's permission for such shipments are completely unfounded.
The note also responded to claims about Turkey sending jet fuel to Israel, clarifying that no jet fuel has ever been sent to Israel, and the fuel in question, which was manipulated to circulate as a significant issue, is related to turnaround fuel worth $641,000 provided to Israeli passenger planes bringing tourists to Turkey before the attacks on Gaza began on October 7, 2023.
The report dismissed claims regarding the export of gunpowder and explosives to Israel, affirming that Turkey has never allowed the sale of any products or services that could be used for military purposes to Israel long before the atrocities that began on October 7, 2023. It also emphasized that the export of defense products cannot occur without the approval of the Ministry of National Defense.
The note provided information on how products reach Palestine, stating, "Israel has prohibited trade with Palestine by third countries only concerning Gaza under the pretext of war. Today, it is possible to supply goods to the West Bank under international agreements. In this context, goods destined for Gaza do not undergo customs processing by Israeli customs. However, if there is a change in the customs declaration indicating that the goods are directed to the West Bank instead of Gaza, Israel allows customs processing due to its commitments under international agreements and directs the goods to the West Bank."