Israel is a technologically advanced market economy with a highly skilled and well-educated workforce - Cultural life is vibrant, restaurants and beaches are crowded, and there is a lot of business being conducted.
Visiting U.S. companies find Israel's business environment very similar to that in the United States. It is professional and westernized, and most U.S. businesspersons feel very comfortable doing business here.
The United States is Israel's largest trading partner, and there are opportunities for U.S. exporters. A recognized leader in high-tech industries, Israel's investment in research and development is higher than any single OECD country. In fact, after the United States and Canada Israel has the most companies listed on the NASDAQ.
Services represent good opportunities for U.S. firms especially in franchising, travel & tourism, and finance. There are also good opportunities for electricity equipment manufacturers. With the upcoming completion of Israel's gas distribution network, new private sector power plants will require U.S. equipment. U.S. firms supply over 50 percent of Israeli imports of medical instruments and disposable medical devices for the $500 million-a-year health sector.
Israel is also expanding its infrastructure. Light rail and railways, highways, desalination – all these represent great opportunities for U.S. firms. Other very attractive opportunities exist in Israel's information technology, telecom, electronics, safety and security, and defense sectors. Israel and the U.S. are on the cutting edge in these areas, and so there are natural linkages between U.S. and Israeli firms.
Facts About Israel:
- Population: 6.8 million, in an area roughly the size of New Jersey
- Approximately $19 billion in two-way trade with the United States in 2004
- The United States is Israel's largest single country trade partner, despite heavy European competition.
- GDP per capita rose 2.4% in 2004 to $17,200. The Economist, in June 2004, ranked Israel 4th among emerging markets, with a GDP per capita, in terms of purchasing power parity, of $21,000.
- Israel ranked 3rd in the world for U.S. patents per capita, following Japan and Taiwan.
- $6.9 billion in U.S. exports recorded in 2003 - U.S. exports accounted for 20% of the 2003 import market
- Locally or regionally produced U.S. brands contribute to an even higher profile for U.S. products among Israeli consumers and manufacturers.
- Since 1995, nearly all tariffs on trade between U.S.-Israel have been eliminated
Review the information below to learn more specific information about sending your product to Israel!