Core Points - The European Union (EU) announced a package of sanctions against Israeli officials and settlers, including the suspension of trade preferences for Israeli goods exported to the EU [1] - The EU's decision is in response to Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has led to a severe humanitarian crisis [1] - The EU plans to invoke its "global human rights sanctions mechanism" to target Israeli officials labeled as "extremist ministers" and violent settlers, as well as ten members of Hamas's political bureau [1] Economic Impact - The EU intends to suspend key provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement related to trade, meaning Israeli goods will no longer enjoy preferential treatment [1] - This change will align the tariff rates for Israeli goods with the standard EU rates, which could significantly impact Israeli exports [1] - In 2024, the total value of Israeli goods exported to the EU is projected to be €15.9 billion, accounting for 32% of Israel's total foreign trade, with major exports including machinery, transport equipment, and chemicals [1]

Core Insights - The trade deficit for the second quarter of 2025 reached $1.19 million, an increase of 16% year-on-year [1] - Cumulative trade deficit for the first half of the year was $2.24 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9.8% [1] - The annual trade deficit is projected to be approximately $46 million, indicating a persistent structural imbalance between exports and imports [1] Export Summary - Total exports in the second quarter amounted to $6.1 million, showing a decline of 6.2% year-on-year [1] - Major declining products included textiles (down 18%), machinery and transport equipment (down 0.6%), various manufactured goods (down 15.5%), and mineral fuels and oils (down 3.3%) [1] - Growth in exports was observed in chemical products (up 3%) and food and live animals (up 1.8%) [1] - Overall, exports for the first half of the year experienced a slight increase of 1.2% [1] Import Summary - Imports in the second quarter reached $1.8 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.4% [1] - Key products contributing to import growth included food and live animals (up 23.2%), machinery and transport equipment (up 12%), various manufactured goods (up 10.8%), and mineral products and petroleum products (up 4%) [1] - Year-on-year growth in imports for the first half of the year was 6.7% [1] - Annual import projections stand at $70.4 million, with exports expected to be around $24.2 million, maintaining a high trade deficit [1]