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Illustrative: Amazon packages move along a conveyor at an Amazon warehouse facility in Goodyear, Arizona, December 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
February 25, 2026, 10:23 pm
Ad hoc tax changes for overseas online orders cause confusion for Israelis about charges
Consumers may face VAT charges on their purchased orders after Knesset revokes tax exemptions; finance minister hours later signs a new order to expand exemption on personal imports
By Sharon Wrobel
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting of the Religious Zionism party at the Knesset in Jerusalem, February 23, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
February 25, 2026, 12:14 pm
Defying Knesset, Smotrich ups tax exemption for online purchases from abroad to $130
Hours after previous order was voted down by lawmakers, finance minister signs a new one, vows to free Israeli citizens from ‘monopolies,’ defeat ‘communists’ in Netanyahu’s Likud
By Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference on raising the tax exemption on personal imports to $150 at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, December 23, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
December 23, 2025, 6:50 pm
‘It can be cheap here’: Smotrich raises VAT exemption on overseas orders to $150
Finance minister says move will lower cost of living, free Israelis from exploitation by monopolies; businesspeople protest, saying it’s a ‘death sentence for small businesses’
By Sam Sokol and ToI Staff
Finance Minister and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, November 17, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
November 26, 2025, 3:56 pm
VAT exemption on personal imports to rise from $75 to $150
Treasury says aim of Smotrich’s move is to reduce cost of living, remove power from alleged monopolies that keep consumer prices higher than most of Europe; public has 21 days to comment
By Sam Sokol
Chickens inside a chicken coop in Israel on August 11, 2020. (Yossi Aloni/FLASH90)
September 7, 2025, 6:26 pm
Poultry producers warn first-ever imports of chickens will destroy local farms
Association of Poultry Farmers says 6,000 jobs at risk, mainly on Gaza and northern borders; importers say ‘fair competition will benefit consumers’
By Sue Surkes
Illustrative: Milk and other dairy products are on display at a Rami Levy supermarket in Jerusalem on July 17, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
August 21, 2025, 2:07 am
Israel to slash 40% import tariff for six months in bid to fend off milk shortage
Smotrich says move ‘will ensure there is enough milk at a fair price’ during upcoming Jewish High Holidays, when less milk will be produced locally at same time more is consumed
By Sharon Wrobel
New imported cars are seen at a parking lot in the Eilat port, Israel, on January 3, 2024. (Yehuda Ben Itach/Flash90)
July 17, 2025, 10:36 pm
Hurt by Houthi blockade, debt-ridden Eilat port seeks aid to help it stay afloat
Unless plea to Economy Ministry is heeded, southern port could shut down as soon as Sunday; activity has dived over 90% amid Iran-backed Yemeni rebels terrorizing Red Sea shipping
By Sharon Wrobel
A pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protester holds a placard during a rally against Israel in Athens, Greece, on Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP/Yorgos Karahalis)
May 22, 2025, 1:06 pm
EU, UK review of trade ties over Gaza war could take bite out of business, exporters fear
Experts warn of domino effect on investment into Israel and overall business environment as key European partners seek to pressure government over its wartime policies
By Sharon Wrobel
Protestors at Begin Gate in Tel Aviv on January 14, 2025, calling for the release of all the hostages and the end to the war (Credit Yoav Loeff)
January 15, 2025, 1:24 pm
Daily Briefing Jan. 15: Day 467 – Hostage deal could be signed Wednesday or Thursday
Reporter Amy Spiro offers details of the proposal, which Foreign Minister Sa’ar calls gradual, not partial; reporter Sue Surkes reviews import changes and cave art
By Jessica Steinberg, Amy Spiro and Sue Surkes
Shoppers and supermarket staff seen at the new branch of a Mahsanei HaShuk chain in Katzrin, on the Golan Heights, on November 22, 2022. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)
January 3, 2025, 1:57 pm
Along with soaring prices, Israel rings in 2025 with economic reforms, but will they work?
With a few behemoths dominating imports of food, cosmetics and other products, changes are intended to lower costs including by boosting competition; experts have their doubts
By Sue Surkes
An aerial view of the Europe Asia Pipeline Company's (EAPC) oil terminal at Israel's southern Red Sea port city of Eilat, February 9, 2021. (Menahem Kahana/AFP)
August 22, 2024, 10:51 am
Environmental groups hail decision to back down on increasing oil imports
PM, ministers agree to pause move that would have allowed more crude oil to enter Israel via southern port of Eilat, despite pressure from state-owned Europe Asia Pipeline Company
By Sue Surkes
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a joint statement to the media in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2024. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/Pool via AP)
July 10, 2024, 7:22 pm
Reports: Prime Minister’s Office advancing embargo on Turkish imports
Officials warn move could prompt sanctions against Israel from World Trade Organization and lead to higher cost of living; PMO denies it plans total embargo
By ToI Staff
Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivers a speech during a military ceremony at the Military School of Cadets General Jose Maria Cordova in Bogota on May 31, 2024. (Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP)
June 9, 2024, 11:15 am
Colombia says it will halt coal sales to Israel over war in Gaza
Government document says exports to only resume once Jerusalem complies with UN court ruling on Rafah; Colombian Mining Association says move imperils markets, foreign investment
By Agencies and ToI Staff
A delivery of armored vehicles from the US arrives in Israel, December 6, 2023. (Defense Ministry)
March 24, 2024, 8:40 pm
Amid arms embargo calls, data shows 99% of Israeli weapon imports are from US, Germany
Swedish institute’s research finds American arms make up 69%, another 30% come from Berlin; all IAF manned aircraft are US-made, aside from one French-built helicopter
By Tal Schneider
Illustrative: Milk and other dairy products are on display at a Rami Levy supermarket in Jerusalem on July 17, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
July 13, 2023, 4:33 pm
Israel scraps 40% customs tax on imported milk for three months
Finance Minister Smotrich seeks to open market for cheaper imports to address milk shortage in stores and supermarkets
By Sharon Wrobel
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