According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel, in the first five months of 2025, Turkey exported goods to Tel Aviv worth nearly $394 million, revealed "Al Mayadeen".
The media recalls that the Turkish government suspended direct trade with Israel in May 2024. This happened against the backdrop of protests against Israel's military actions in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. The decision followed weeks of public protests and sharp criticism from Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who accused Israel of genocide and compared the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu's administration to those of Nazi Germany.
Despite the embargo, Israeli trade data shows continued Turkish exports in 2025, suggesting that indirect trade may continue. From January to May 2025, Turkey exported goods to Israel worth $393.7 million. By comparison, during the same period in 2024, before the ban, Turkish exports amounted to $1.4 billion.
The data has drawn further criticism of Erdogan's government for what his opponents say is a discrepancy between his harsh, anti-Israel rhetoric and his economic activities.
The Turkish government claims that all trade with Israel ceased on May 2, 2024. However, the continued flow of goods raises questions about the implementation of the embargo and possible loopholes.
Statistical companies suggest that Turkish companies may be rerouting supplies through third countries or the Palestinian territories to circumvent the embargo.
Data from the United Nations International Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade), published in May, also confirm claims of continued trade activity with Israel. According to UN Comtrade, Turkey is the fifth largest source of imports for Israel in 2024, with total exports worth $2.86 billion. This ranks Turkey only behind China, the United States, Germany and Italy, despite the trade ban.
In 2024, Israel recorded imports worth $91.5 billion and exports worth $61.7 billion. dollars, according to official figures.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people and the taking of about 250 hostages.