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Israel Expands Cheese Import Quotas by 70% to Reduce Prices to Consumers
Israel expands cheese import quotas by 70%, increasing duty-free volume by 8,000 tons to combat high dairy prices and boost competition for consumers.
Jerusalem, 20 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich signed an agreement to expand cheese import quotas by approximately 70%. The Ministry of Finance said the move will increase competition and lead to lower prices.
Dairy products in Israel are about 50% more expensive than the average in OECD countries, with hard cheese prices reaching twice the average, said the Ministry.
In light of these gaps, the minister decided on a dramatic move to increase the quotas for duty-free imports, with the aim of increasing competition and gradually reducing cheese prices for consumers.
According to the order signed by the minister, the duty-free quota will increase from 11,500 tons per year to 19,500 tons, an increase of 8,000 tons, which constitutes an increase of about 70% in the volume of exempt imports. The quota increase will take effect immediately and will be valid for two years, with the Minister of Finance retaining the authority to extend the order in accordance with market developments.
