Turkey-Israel Trade Dispute: CHP Reveals Exports Despite Ban

Despite the Turkish government’s official declaration to halt all trade with Israel following the escalation in Gaza, new data released by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) suggests that commercial flow continues. On March 29, 2026, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir shared these statistics, sparking a heated political debate regarding the transparency of Turkey’s trade embargo.

Turkey-Israel Trade Data: $94 Million in February Alone

According to the official Israeli state records shared by the CHP, the trade volume remains significant despite the “total ban” announced by the Turkish Ministry of Trade.

• February 2026 Exports: $94 Million.

• January-February 2026 Total: $176.1 Million.

• Ranking: The data suggests Turkey remains among the top 5 exporters to Israel, even during the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran.

Strategic Materials: What is Being Shipped?

Murat Emir highlighted that the exported goods are not merely consumer items but “strategic industrial materials” essential for infrastructure and production.

Political Reaction: “Foreign Policy Helplessness”

Murat Emir’s critique focused on the discrepancy between the government’s public rhetoric and the statistical reality. He alleged that the Israeli CBS website has been blocked for access within Turkey to prevent citizens from viewing these figures.

“The trade they claim to have ‘cut’ continued while Israel was bombing Gaza, and it continues during the war with Iran. This is the exact reason for the government’s helplessness in foreign policy.” — Murat Emir, CHP Group Deputy Chairman.

Context: How Does Trade Persist?

While the Turkish Ministry of Trade maintains that customs operations are closed for Israel, independent researchers and activists suggest several “workarounds” that might explain the CBS figures:

• Third-Country Routing: Goods may be cleared for Greece, Cyprus, or the Palestinian territories but ultimately diverted to Israeli ports.

• Pre-Existing Contracts: Some shipments might involve long-term industrial contracts that bypass current restrictions.

• Free Trade Zones: Operations via free zones or international waters where Turkish jurisdiction is limited.