The Economy and Industry Ministry announced on Thursday it will be limiting the export of scrap metal from Israel by setting quotas for exporters in the sector.
Officials explained that the decision stems from an ongoing shortage of steel and iron products, which has been exacerbated since the outbreak of the war on October 7, complicating the collection of scrap metal that serves as a primary raw material for the local steel industry.
Although the Economy Ministry said that its actions began four months ago following appeals from two steel industry leaders, they also come against the backdrop of Turkish export restrictions imposed on Israel earlier this month.
Turkey announced an unprecedented embargo on Israeli goods following the Gaza war and Israel’s refusal to allow it to airdrop humanitarian aid over the Gaza Strip.
The Turkish Trade Ministry issued a list of products from 54 categories, including steel, iron and cement, whose export to Israel will be restricted until a cease-fire in Gaza is declared and Turkey is allowed to deliver humanitarian aid into the territory.
Annually, Israel exports approximately one million tons of scrap metal, with 90% directed toward the Turkish metal industry. Economic sources emphasize that despite the timing, there is no direct correlation between the new restrictions on metal exports from Israel and the export limitations imposed by Turkey on Israel.
Following Turkey's export restrictions, Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel would take reciprocal measures that would impact the Turkish economy. Meanwhile, senior economic figures have called for a significant reduction in trade relations with Turkey, alongside an expansion and development of the local industry.