The Turkish government's reliance on the Central Exporters Association reflects the complexities of enforcing trade bans in a globalized economy, where goods often traverse multiple borders.
The significant increase in exports to Palestinian territories suggests a strategic pivot in Turkish trade policy, aiming to support Palestine while navigating international trade laws and relations with Israel.
Public sentiment in Türkiye plays a crucial role in shaping foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine, as evidenced by the protests and political pressure on the government.
The ongoing scrutiny and adjustments in export procedures may lead to further delays in shipments, impacting the Turkish economy and its exporters.
If public discontent continues, the Turkish government may face increased pressure to either strengthen the trade ban or find alternative diplomatic solutions regarding its relationship with Israel.
The situation could lead to a reevaluation of Türkiye's trade policies, particularly if the current system proves unsustainable in the long term.
Türkiye has intensified its efforts to enforce a ban on trade with Israel by seeking assistance from the Central Exporters Association. This move comes amid rising public criticism over ongoing trade relations with Israel, especially in light of increased exports to Palestinian territories since the ban was implemented in May 2024. The Turkish government has mandated stricter checks and approvals for shipments, requiring verification from Palestinian authorities before goods can be exported. As a result, there has been a significant backlog of shipments, impacting the flow of goods to both Israel and Palestine.
Official data indicates that Turkey's exports to Israel have ceased since May, dropping from an average of $380 million monthly to zero. Conversely, exports to Palestinian territories have surged nearly tenfold, reaching an average of $127 million per month from June to September 2024. This surge has raised concerns about potential circumvention of the trade embargo, leading to public protests and scrutiny from opposition lawmakers.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Türkiye's commitment to supporting Palestine and has characterized the trade restrictions against Israel as a form of resistance. He emphasized that Türkiye has taken significant steps to halt trade with Israel and has positioned itself as a leading critic of Israeli actions in Gaza. Trade Minister Omer Polat noted that a substantial portion of the goods traded with Israel was ultimately destined for Palestinian consumers, highlighting the complexities of the trade dynamics.
