Minister Bolat gives a date: Statement on trade with Israel

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat made important statements regarding Turkey's commercial relations with Israel.

Bolat stated that trade with Israel has been completely halted since May 2nd and that no registration processes have been carried out during this period. The Minister drew attention to the aggressive stance Israel has adopted in the region, particularly in Gaza, and expressed that the decision was taken as a reaction to this situation.

SPECIAL PERMITS GRANTED FOR PALESTINIAN IMPORTERS

Emphasizing that necessary measures have been taken to ensure that Palestine does not suffer despite the halt in trade with Israel, Bolat announced that customs procedures are permitted under certain conditions for Palestinian importers in line with the requests of the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy. Bolat said, "As Turkey, we will continue to provide all the support we can to meet Palestine's commercial needs. We will continue to stand by Palestine."

'ISRAEL'S AGGRESSIVE STANCE LED TO TRADE RESTRICTIONS'

Minister Bolat stated that Israel's aggressive stance and its resistance to ceasefire efforts were effective in the decision to halt trade. He expressed that during this process, commercial relations with Palestine have continued within the framework of close cooperation and that exports to Palestine have been maintained through special permits.

During this period, there was a notable increase in Turkey's steel sector exports.

According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), steel exports to Palestine in September 2024 increased by 30,930 percent from 156 thousand 700 dollars in 2023 to 48 million 626 thousand 330 dollars in 2024.