US president unveils tariff plan to boost manufacturing and fix trade imbalance, but it may fuel a global trade war and raise US prices; Israel’s Manufacturers Association warns move could hurt Israeli exports and cost local jobs

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a sweeping new tariff policy, imposing a baseline duty of at least 10% on nearly all imported goods and significantly higher reciprocal tariffs on countries with large trade deficits with the United States—including Israel.

Under the plan, Israeli exports will face a 17% tariff, raising concerns about the potential impact on Israel’s economy and trade relations with its largest single-country export market.

Dr. Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, expressed serious concern over the decision. “The Israeli industry is deeply worried by President Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on Israel,” Tomer said. “We’re trying to understand the rationale behind this move. The claim that Israel imposes 33% tariffs on American goods is unclear, and the 17% response seems unjustified.”

Tomer warned the tariffs could harm Israeli exporters, cost jobs and reduce business activity in the American market. “This decision threatens Israel’s economic stability, could deter foreign investment and weaken the competitiveness of Israeli firms in the U.S.,” he said.