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Restrictions on exports from Turkey to Israel: Important, but must be backed up by diplomatic measures

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The Turkish Ministry of Trade has decided to impose export restrictions on 54 product groups against Israel, which continues its attacks on Palestine. We spoke to Emir Aşnas, a researcher and writer, about the decision and Israel’s reaction to it.

Turkey’s trade with Israel has long been a subject of debate due to Israel’s operations in Gaza since October. Following criticism from within the country, the Ministry of Trade took action and imposed export restrictions on 54 product groups to Israel.

The first reaction to Ankara’s decision came from Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. In a statement on the social media platform, Katz used the following statements in his post, in which he referred to President Tayyip Erdoğan:

Israel will ask US to impose sanctions

“Erdogan is once again sacrificing the economic interests of the Turkish people for the sake of his support for the Hamas murderers who are raping, murdering and desecrating the bodies of women, girls and adults in Gaza and burning children alive. Israel will not give in to violence and blackmail, will not tolerate unilateral violations of trade agreements and will take parallel measures against Turkey that will damage its economy. We will ask our friends in the United States to draw up another list of products that Israel will prevent Turkey from exporting, to contact US organisations, to stop investments in Turkey and to prevent the import of products from Turkey. Congress will investigate violations of the boycott laws and impose sanctions on Turkey accordingly”.

‘A total export ban is not possible’

Emir Aşnas, a researcher and writer specialising in international trade and investment, public administration and commercial diplomacy, explained the difference between an export restriction and an export ban: “A restriction can take different forms. For example, a certain product may be allowed to be exported within a certain quota, i.e. up to a certain amount, and the amount above that may not be allowed. In the case of a ban, the export of that good may be prohibited altogether. Again, the restriction can be for a certain period of time; in a prohibition, the export of that good is stopped indefinitely.”

More importantly, Aşnas pointed out that it is not possible to ban exports completely and indefinitely within the framework of GATT-WTO (World Trade Organisation) agreements and rules, reminding that both Turkey and Israel are WTO members.

Aşnas explained that the legislation on the application of the restriction has not yet been published in the Official Gazette and said, “Therefore, we do not yet have a clear idea about the scope, principles, duration and implementation methods of this application. At this stage, it is possible to make some predictions based on the official statement of the Ministry of Trade. In this context, we understand that Turkey has suspended the export to Israel of 54 products and product groups listed in the Ministry of Trade’s statement until further notice”.

‘Technical definition of banned goods should be made’

Aşnas provided the following information on how the restriction decision will be implemented in practice: “The Ministry of Trade will issue the relevant legislation, and the customs tariff statistical items will be determined and announced for the technical description and definition of the products subject to the restriction, along with the principles of implementation. In addition, the customs department of the Ministry of Trade will not approve customs declarations for the export of these goods to Israel, and thus the exports will not take place”.

However, he also pointed out that “it is of course possible for the goods in question to be registered with our customs as being destined for another destination and then shipped to Israel from that destination”.

Aşnas pointed out that in order to have a complete idea of how the restriction decision will affect Turkey’s exports to Israel, the technical definition of the goods whose exports will be restricted and the customs tariff statistical items should be determined, and said, “I think the relevant units of the Ministry of Trade are currently carrying out this work. Otherwise, there cannot be a sound application”.

A blow to Israel’s iron and steel imports

Aşnas gave the following information about the product groups announced to be restricted

“Among the products and product groups listed in the Ministry of Trade’s announcement, a significant portion of iron-steel and ferrous metals and products – and even metalworking machinery and chemicals used in metal processing – will be subject to the restriction. Exports of metals and products account for the largest share (over 20 per cent) of Turkey’s exports to Israel by sector. Moreover, Turkey is Israel’s first and most important supplier, especially in the iron and steel sector.”

“However, it can be seen that automotive products (main and sub-industry), which are the second largest sector of Turkey’s exports to Israel, are not or only partially included in this restriction. The list also includes many products and product groups for the chemical and construction sectors. When this list is analysed, it is expected that Turkey’s exports to Israel will be significantly restricted. However, as I have said before, it would be appropriate to wait for the technical definition of the goods within the scope of the restriction in order to make a clearer and more precise judgement on this issue”.

‘The decision seems to have been taken in haste’

Aşnas said it was clear that the decision on the restriction was taken in reaction and in haste, saying, “Otherwise, legal arrangements should have been made on this issue,” and continued, “The second point is that some products that have a significant share in exports to Israel (especially the automotive industry) are excluded from the list; In other words, it is understood that the metal, chemical and construction materials sectors that can be used ‘for military purposes’, which have attracted the most public reaction in the formation of the list, are to be ‘compulsorily’ included, and otherwise an attempt is being made to be selective according to the situation of the sectors. ”

Aşnas said that the Trade Ministry’s statement, “In fact, our country has not authorised and does not authorise the sale of any products or services that can be used for military purposes to Israel for a long time”, is understood to have been written in a “rush of guilt” and in order to ease the reactions of Turkish public opinion on the issue.

Commenting on the Trade Ministry’s statement that the export restrictions were based on UN resolutions and International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings, Mr Aşnas said: “The UN Security Council resolutions cited, for example, have nothing to do with exports to Israel. They are about allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, not blocking it. However, one of the resolutions referred to by the Department of Commerce is the injunction issued by the ICJ on 26 January 2024 in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel. Of course, this raises the legitimate question of why such a decision has been delayed until today. It is also an important question why Turkey, perhaps the most assertive country in the world on the Palestinian issue, has not itself filed a case with the ICJ.

Aşnas gave the following assessment of whether these export restrictions, which will be temporary until a ceasefire is implemented in Gaza, will be sufficient:

“It is understood that although it is important in terms of the products covered, it is insufficient and the arbitrariness will be seen more clearly after the legal and technical regulations on this issue are finalised. It can be said that this export restriction decision, which was announced hastily and without legal and technical arrangements, is aimed at appeasing the increasing reactions of the Turkish public opinion rather than fulfilling the ICJ decision, and that this export restriction decision, which is not supported by diplomatic/political measures, is a tactical and temporary step”.

The product groups for which the Ministry of Trade has decided to restrict exports to Israel are as follows:

1- Aluminium profiles

2- Aluminium wires

3- Paints

4- Copper profiles, rods and wires

5- Concrete mixers6- Steel tubes and fittings

7- Steel wire rod

8- Steel containers and tanks

9- Steel bridge components10 – Steel towers11- Steel profiles

12- Cement

13- Cement, concrete or artificial stone building blocks and slabs14- All iron and steel building materials15- All iron and steel wire

16- Excavators

17- Electrical cables

18- Electrical panels

19- Tiles

20 – Fibre optic cables and electric conductors21 – Forklifts22 – Granite

23 – Ropes and cables24- Hardware products25 – Hydraulic oils

26 – Rebar

27 – Construction machinery

28 – Building insulation

29 – Glass used in construction

30 – Chemical compounds

31 – Chemical fertilisers

32 – Clinker

33 – Buckets, scoops, shovels, clamps and hooks

34 – Sulphur

35 – Mineral oils

36 – Roller chains

37 – Marble

38 – Metalworking machinery

39 – Chemicals used in metalworking

40 – Mineral fertilisers

41 – Motor oils

42 – Pallets

43 – Plastic pipes

44 – Sandwich panels

45 – Ceramics

46 – Solvent paints

47 – Wire drawing machines

48 – Sawing machines

49 – Bricks

50 – Aircraft gasoline and kerosene

51 – Paints

52 – Cranes

53 – Adhesives and glues

54- Flat steel products

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US and Qatar warn EU methane import rules threaten winter energy supply

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25/06/2026

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The United States and Qatar have urged the European Union to overhaul its planned methane emission regulations for oil and gas imports, warning that the incoming framework threatens energy security.

Beginning next year, the EU regulation will mandate strict methane monitoring and verification requirements for fuel deliveries imported into the bloc.

The rules are designed to curb leaks of the potent greenhouse gas. However, they have drawn fierce opposition from the energy industry and foreign suppliers.

In an open letter addressed to EU leaders, the energy ministers of the US, Qatar, Nigeria, and Algeria—all major gas exporters to Europe—demanded that the EU suspend the legislation and introduce “targeted changes.”

“Importers have already begun the process of purchasing oil and natural gas to be stored for delivery in 2027, and as of now, there is no viable pathway to comply with the regulation,” the letter stated.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Reuters Global Energy Forum in New York, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the EU’s “crazy” methane regulations would make liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US and other allied signatory nations impossible.

Wright warned that the move would put EU member states at risk. “The risk of experiencing power outages or heating issues next winter will be quite high. There is no justification for this,” he said.

Speaking to reporters before the letter was published, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen indicated openness to discussing ways to ease the implementation of the regulation, but maintained that the bloc would not dilute the policy’s objectives.

“I will not bring this matter back to the table. I am very proud of our methane regulations. We have also faced significant pressure from international companies and countries like the US; our message to them remains the same. We will assist as much as we can to be pragmatic, but we must protect the legislation,” Jorgensen said.

The European Commission has drafted plans to remove penalties for companies violating the law, but has so far refused to rewrite the core rules.

According to a document seen by Reuters, 11 EU governments—including Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Poland—have separately requested that Brussels delay the implementation of the rules by three years, citing energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Ukraine.

EU energy ministers are scheduled to discuss the request on Friday.

According to a study by Wood Mackenzie published in March and backed by the oil and gas industry, nearly half of the EU’s gas imports could struggle to comply with the incoming rules.

However, research published this week by Rystad for the Environmental Defense Fund indicated that the volume of gas already compliant with the current rules is three times the EU’s existing import levels.

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White House requests $672 million from Congress to neutralize Iran nuclear program

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25/06/2026

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The US administration has requested $672 million from Congress to fund measures aimed at “completely and verifiably halting” Iran’s capacity to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.

According to a Fox News report citing a White House source, the funding request was submitted as part of a supplemental budget proposal.

The requested funds are intended to cover the removal from the country and the disposal of Iran’s nuclear materials, including uranium hexafluoride, various other forms of uranium, and fuel for research reactors.

These resources will also finance US monitoring activities in Iran, support for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections, efforts to combat nuclear smuggling, and the expansion of the Nuclear Emergency Support Team’s (NEST) operations in the Middle East.

In a letter sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought stated that these resources are being requested for the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the framework of non-proliferation programs.

The funding will be utilized for the elimination of materials, technology, equipment, and infrastructure linked to Iran’s nuclear program that possess sensitive non-proliferation characteristics.

In total, the White House administration has requested $87.6 billion in supplemental funding from Congress. According to the letter, the vast majority of this budget request is associated with expenditures within the scope of the war with Iran.

Additionally, $768 million was requested for the US Department of Energy under nuclear and energy security, primarily to be used for the NNSA’s activities connected to this operation.

The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18. This memorandum envisages a cessation of hostilities, the conduct of negotiations toward a final agreement within 60 days, the gradual lifting of US restrictions, the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi had previously announced that the agency is ready to participate in the verification process of potential agreements that may be reached between the US and Iran.

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India’s Russian oil imports hit record high as Middle East tensions disrupt markets

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23/06/2026

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India is increasing imports of Russian oil and coal as supply chain disruptions and rising prices linked to tensions involving Iran reshape global energy flows.

According to a Reuters report citing data from analytics firm Kpler, shipments from Russia to India reached record levels in June.

Kpler estimates that Russian oil deliveries to India will rise to a record 2.55 million barrels per day in June.

That would surpass both the 2.13 million barrels per day recorded in May and the previous high of 2.16 million barrels per day registered in May 2023.

Russia’s share of India’s total oil imports in June is expected to come in at just under 50%. Before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, the figure averaged 23% during the three months preceding February 28.

India’s shift toward Russian crude followed the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and a temporary suspension of sanctions on purchases by the administration of US President Donald Trump in an effort to increase market supply.

However, the sanctions waiver expired on June 17 and was not extended by the US Treasury Department.

Reuters noted that this could lead to a decline in purchases of Russian crude, although the outcome will depend on the willingness of Indian refiners and government officials to return to sourcing shipments from Middle Eastern suppliers.

According to Kpler forecasts, imports from Saudi Arabia are expected to remain at 349,000 barrels per day in June. That compares with an average of 832,000 barrels per day during the three months before the conflict.

A similar trend is visible in coal imports. Imports of Russian coal across all grades are expected to reach 3.16 million tonnes in June, compared with 3.27 million tonnes in May.

Both figures would rank as the second and third highest on record, respectively, behind the peak of 3.76 million tonnes registered in May last year.

Russia is also expected to overtake Australia in June to become the second-largest supplier of coal to India, the world’s second-largest coal importer after China.

According to Reuters, Russia is likely to maintain its role as one of India’s key coal suppliers. Future purchases of Russian oil, however, will depend on whether Washington moves to tighten sanctions against Moscow.

New Delhi says oil shipments will not be affected by sanctions

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in mid-June that the country had increased purchases of Russian oil since 2022 at Washington’s request in order to help contain global energy prices.

Jaishankar criticised US restrictions on Russian commodities and urged policymakers not to present such measures as matters of grand principle.

Sujata Sharma, a representative of India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, also said in May that shipments from Russia were continuing and would do so regardless of US decisions concerning sanctions waivers.

Indian refiners reduced imports from Russia in 2025 and turned to suppliers in Saudi Arabia and Iraq amid pressure from the United States and threats of a 25% tariff on Indian goods.

However, Reuters data show that following the outbreak of war in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Indian companies began increasing purchases of Russian crude again in early March.

Russia’s ambassador to New Delhi, Denis Alipov, said at the end of April that Moscow was prepared to supply as much raw material as India was willing to accept.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later confirmed that Moscow remained committed to its agreements on energy shipments to India.

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