Sunday, June 22, 2025

Isreal Economy 6-22-25

Population 9.5 million, Nominal GDP $583 billion, Nominal Debt to GDP is 69%. Per capita GDP $57,750, Inflation 3.1%, Unemployment 2.7%. Land Area is 8,355 sq miles. Agricultural Land is 2.511 sq miles or 29.7%. 

In 2025, Israel's trade balance is showing a widening trade deficit due to increased imports and decreased exports. Specifically, imports have surged, driven by consumer goods, raw materials, and investment goods, while exports have experienced a decline, particularly in manufacturing, mining, and agricultural products. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Imports: Israel's imports in April 2025 reached $7.76 billion, a 15.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge is fueled by a rise in purchases of consumer goods (21.2%), raw materials (24.8%), investment goods (31.1%), and ships/aircraft (534.3%). 

Exports: Conversely, exports in April 2025 dropped to $4.12 billion, an 8.8% decrease year-on-year. This decline is attributed to a decrease in manufacturing and mining (-11.9%) and agricultural goods (-12.6%). 

Trade Deficit: The combination of increased imports and decreased exports has resulted in a widening trade deficit of $3.64 billion in April 2025, up from $2.18 billion a year earlier, according to Trading Economics. For the first four months of 2025, the deficit reached $11.63 billion, compared to $9.87 billion in the same period last year. 

Major Trading Partners: The United States remains a key trading partner for Israel, with the US importing items like diamonds, high-tech electronics, and chemical products. Other significant import partners include China, Germany, and Belgium. 

Key Exports: Israel's main exports include cut and uncut diamonds, pearls and other precious metals and stones, electrical machinery and equipment, mechanical machinery and appliances, and chemical products. 

Key Imports: Major imports include machinery and equipment, diamonds, oil and other mineral fuels, and transport equipment. 

US Military Aid

In 2025, the U.S. continues its significant military aid to Israel, including potential arms sales and the expedited delivery of previously approved funds. This aid comes amidst ongoing regional tensions and conflicts, particularly the conflict with Iran. 

Here's a breakdown:

$8 billion Arms Sale: The U.S. State Department proposed a large arms sale to Israel in January 2025, valued at $8 billion. This package includes various munitions and weapons systems, such as air-to-air missiles, artillery shells, and bombs. 

Expedited Delivery of $4 Billion: A declaration was signed in March 2025 to expedite the delivery of $4 billion in military aid to Israel, utilizing emergency authority to address security needs. 

Ongoing Security Assistance: The U.S. remains committed to Israel's security, providing ongoing military support through various programs, including Foreign Military Financing (FMF). 

Memorandum of Understanding: The U.S. and Israel have a long-standing MOU that provides for $3.8 billion in aid annually through 2028. 

Public Opinion: While a majority of Americans still favor providing financial aid to Israel for its military, support has slightly decreased since the October 7th attack, with more Democrats expressing opposition. 

Possible Future Aid: There's discussion about the potential for increased aid in the future, particularly if Israel escalates its conflict with Iran. 

The U.S. aid to Israel in 2025 includes both ongoing commitments and new initiatives, reflecting the complex and evolving security landscape in the Middle East. 

Source: Google AI

Comments

Other Middle East Allies will benefit from Israel’s economic and military success. It is likely that Saudi Arabia and other successful Arab Countries will join the Abraham Accords. They are all fed up with Iran.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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