© Kobi Gideon/GPO via Getty Images/KJN
While Donald Trump's disdain for the European Union is well documented, his overwhelmingly positive relations with the current leadership in Tel Aviv dates back to an era long before Trump decided to stand in any political election. Therefore, the apparent decision to refuse Tel Aviv's steel industry an exemption to otherwise universal tariffs has sent profound shortwaves [sic shockwaves] throughout the Israeli business community that had come to rely on the US as its most valued partner.
Former Israeli Finance Minister and the current head of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Dan Catarivas called the imposition of US tariffs a "deathblow" to the local steel industry before saying,
"We are disappointed that despite Israel's special status as a true friend of the US and the free trade agreement [between the countries], Israel has not been excluded from the imposition of tariffs like Australia".The language Catarivas used is very telling of how Israel feels particularly snubbed by its traditionally most favoured trading partner. But it seems that when it comes to protectionism, even a country as close to the United States as Israel garners no special favours in areas related to trade and non-military orientated commerce.
Comment: Israel is disappointed. How terrible to have a 'you're not special' reality check. How terrible to be left out of the US financial agenda, though outright-gifted billions each year to make military equipment it sells for a profit.
The Japan Times: US has exempted certain steel products from Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and China from 25% import duties.
Quartz says: Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and the EU would be exempted from the 25% tariff on steel and the 10% duty on aluminum.