Israel cancels remaining US goods import tariffs to win 'probation' for Trump's equivalent tariffs

According to BlockBeats, on April 2nd, Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich signed a directive to immediately lift all remaining US import tariffs, apparently in order to win a "reprieve" of the equivalent tariffs expected to be announced by the Trump administration on Wednesday. The order has been coordinated by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Economy Minister Barkat, but still requires final approval from the Israeli Parliament's Finance Committee. In a letter sent to Barkat and Agriculture Secretary Avi Dichte on March 20th, Smotrich requested the removal of tariffs on American products, primarily in the agricultural sector. Israel and the United States signed a free trade agreement in 1985. According to the agreement, the United States and Israel implemented phased tariff reductions, ultimately almost completely eliminating tariffs on manufactured goods in 1995. However, the agreement does allow the United States and Israel to maintain some import and tariff restrictions, such as quantity limits and fees for agricultural products, primarily to ensure local production and food security. (Golden Ten)