Saudi Arabia's Boycott Policy

There is no change in Saudi policy concerning the Arab League boycott of Israel. Saudi Arabia continues to support the primary boycott of Israel, but, like other countries in the region, does not uphold the secondary and tertiary aspects of the boycott. Although Saudi Arabia does maintain the primary boycott, sources indicate that a small number of Israeli products do make their way into the Saudi market, mainly through third parties. These products are mainly chemicals and apparel and are estimated to value less than $1 million.

In late 2005, Saudi Arabia was required to cease its boycott of Israel as a condition of joining the World Trade Organization. After initially saying that it would do so, the government subsequently announced it would maintain its first-degree boycott of Israeli products. The government said it agreed to lift the second and third degree boycott in accordance with an earlier Gulf Cooperation Council decision rather than the demands of the WTO.