Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, in coordination with Agriculture Minister Oded Forer, issued a public comment ordering the abolition of customs duties on imports of fresh beef, sausages, and other meat products. The order also includes the opening of a duty-free quota for the import of olive oil in order to lower prices and reduce the cost of living. The order includes the abolition of customs duties on beef, sausages and other meat products as well as the opening of duty-free quotas for the import of 6,500 tons of olive oil.
Meat prices in Israel are 43% higher than in other countriesOECD. The abolition of customs will reduce the cost of imports and reduce the price to the consumer. Similar to previous tariff reductions, the abolition of tariffs on fresh beef and other meat products is expected to lower the price to the consumer and increase consumption. In addition, the abolition of customs duties will increase the range of products imported to Israel, so that the Israeli consumer can enjoy a wider selection.
Olive oil prices in Israel are significantly more expensive than in the world. For example, the price in Israel is NIS 34 per liter of olive oil, while in Spain the price is NIS 17. Import quotas will be distributed through a competitive price-to-consumer procedure. These procedures are expected to produce significantly cheaper prices compared to the price in Israel, so that the savings will be passed on to the consumer.
It should be noted that import quotas previously distributed through competitive procedures such as cheeses, olive oil and frozen beans, resulted in prices that are tens of percent lower than the price in Israel. For example, hard cheese is imported through a 25% cheaper competitive procedure compared to the price controlled in Israel.
The Minister of Finance, Avigdor Lieberman: “This step is a continuation of a series of steps we have taken in recent months in order to combat the cost of living, encourage competition in the market and lower prices for consumers. The abolition of customs duties on meat products and the distribution of olive oil quotas in a competitive process will ensure lower prices and savings that will be passed back to consumers. We will continue to lower prices and fight the cost of living. “
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Oded Forer: “Israeli citizens are entitled to a wider range of products and a cheaper price. In innovation and technology in agriculture. ‘