Chambers of Commerce demand reform of food levies

According to figures published by the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce last week the customs duty on imported fresh beef is 190%, while the customs duty on concentrated milk and cream is 53-212%.
 
The average customs duty on milk and cream products is 153%, natural honey - 255%, butter and dairy spreads - 140%, and popcorn kernels - 144%.
 
Mr. Uriel Lynn chairman of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce said in a press release that "These are insane duties. The Ministry of Finance must carry out an immediate reform of duties on food products." Lynn emphasized that the 50% duty on imported frozen French fries, the 15% duty on imported fresh fish, the 40% duty on roasted peanuts, and the 30% duty on almonds are "scandalous and unprecedented"
 
He added that the duties which the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor recently raised affect prices for equivalent foods made in Israel. According to Lynn, the absence of true competition against imports raises prices, and consumers are forced to pay the difference.