ISRAEL

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

Interest in U.S. pears remains high in Israel due to a smaller domestic crop, the absence of Turkish pears, and lower supplies from Greece and Italy. By February, Israel had already fully used its tariff-free quota of 1,164 tons, indicating that the 2026 quota was exhausted early. The accelerated imports reflect tighter overall pear supply and sustained demand for U.S. fruit. Quality has been consistent, and the season is nearing its end.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

German carrier Hapag-Lloyd, together with Israeli private equity firm FIMI Opportunity Funds, is moving forward with a planned acquisition of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services valued at more than $3.5 billion. ZIM, founded in 1945, is Israel’s flagship container shipping line and historically played a strategic role in securing the country’s maritime trade. Under the structure of the deal, Hapag-Lloyd will assume control of ZIM’s international operations, including global trade routes and leased vessels, while FIMI will take over the company’s domestic Israeli assets to ensure compliance with state ownership requirements. The transaction will result in ZIM’s delisting from the New York Stock Exchange and will enable Hapag-Lloyd to further expand its global market presence.

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

As supplies from neighboring Northern Hemisphere countries decline in both volume and quality, competitive pressure on the market has eased. This created a clear window for USA pears, which dominate the imported pear category alongside local Spadona, with limited presence from European origins. The primary U.S. varieties available are Green Anjou and Red Anjou. In this environment, opportunities exist for consistent, the US high-grade fruit with strong storage performance, particularly in commercially preferred medium sizes that align with retail requirements and current shelf positioning.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

By the end of February, market competition is largely limited to local Spadona pears, often in smaller calibers, and pears from China (primarily Nashi and some Fragrant pears). Overall, there is no significant price gap between local and imported pears in spite of visible different in quality and calibers. Moreover, the limited promotional offers available, some with discounts of up to 40%, show a similar pricing level for both Israeli and U.S. fruit.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

The new free‑trade agreement with the United States, which includes broad tariff exemptions, has raised serious concerns among Israeli farmers. The country’s powerful agricultural lobby warns that the measures could sharply reduce profitability and threaten local production. Farmers are actively pressuring the government to secure a 1.5 billion‑shekel support package and delay ratification until protections are in place.

Other Brief Comments:

A nationwide maritime workers’ strike from February 18 to 19 brought Argentina’s ports to near paralysis, severely disrupting cargo handling, export operations, and key logistics flows. The timing is particularly significant given Argentina’s role as a major pear supplier to Israel and a strong competitor in the global market, with its export season beginning in January.