Economy Ministry Opens Competitive Process to Import 5,900 Tons of Yellow Cheese Duty-Free for 2027

In depth

The Economy Ministry is opening a competitive process to allocate 5,900 tons of yellow cheese duty-free for 2027. About 4,070 tons will be allocated to importers who commit to the lowest consumer prices. The goal is to increase competition and lower the price of cheese.

The quota will be divided among the importers who offer the lowest prices. Winners will be able to import an additional quantity without a commitment to a maximum price. In previous processes, importers committed to prices of 2.90 to 3.50 shekels per 100 grams, dozens of percent below the prices of leading brands.

The 2027 tender will bring 5,900 tons of duty-exempt cheese into the country, and the ministry increased the bonus quota from 30% to 45%. Not all cheeses will be subject to a supervised price, so it remains open whether the competition will also reach supermarket shelves.