Arab Country Boycott Policies
SYRIA
Syrian public sector companies ask in their tender announcements
that bidders provide certificates stating that the bidders
abide by the Arab
League Boycott of Israel. However, in 1978, the
Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade issued a decision
permitting U.S. companies to submit a "positive
statement" stating that goods and their components
are 100-percent made in the U.S. This allowed bidders
to avoid the previous certification that their products
were not produced in Israel, language which violates
U.S. Anti-Boycott Compliance Law. Nonetheless, some
companies still encounter problems obtaining import
licenses when they refuse to respond to Syrian inquiries
about company activities in Israel (including investments,
or importing goods on vessels which have made port calls
in Israel). Still others have found that they are unable
to register trademarks without providing assurances
that violate U.S. boycott laws. Although the Embassy
maintains an active dialogue with the Syrian government
to resolve these cases, we have found that the boycott
is sometimes still an effective bar to U.S. investors/exporters.
SAUDI ARABIA
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.
MOROCCO
The Israeli national team was barred by Morocco from
the World Cross Country Championships held there in March 1998.
EGYPT
Egypt agreed to end its boycott following the signing of the peace treaty with Israel. Nevertheless, the 90th meeting of the Arab boycott liaison officers was held in Cairo in August 2016.
QATAR
Qatar welcomes the Israeli handball team to the World Youth Handball
Competition slated for the end of August, Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL,
reported. In spite of diplomatic pressure from Saudia Arabia and Bahrain
who boycotted the games, one member of the Royal family said, "The Israeli
team is no different than any other team. Sports and politics should be
differentiated." Several editorials were published in Qataran newspapers
during the past two months criticizing Israel's participation.
UAE
The UAE continues to support the boycott and sent a representative to the 90th conference in Cairo in August 2016.
Kuwait
Kuwait continues to support the boycott and sent a representative to the 90th conference in Cairo in August 2016.
Sources: Trade Information Center, International Trade Administration; Arab News (December 31, 2005); Jerusalem Post (March 28, 1998); Ma'ariv (December 23, 1998); Israeli Government Press Office (August 9, 1999); Gulf News, (August 2, 2016); KUNA (August 2, 2016). |