Oman's boycott leads to fears of tahini, sesame, and coffee shortages in Israel
Oman, once a leading candidate to join the Abraham Accords, has stopped accepting goods destined for Israel at its ports. The situation is further complicated by the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oman has imposed a boycott on accepting goods destined for Israel at its ports, severely impacting the import of sesame and other raw materials from East Africa. Major tahini manufacturers, including Achva and Sugat, are already feeling the effects of the supply chain disruption. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively seeking a resolution, though diplomatic efforts have yet to yield results.
Israeli companies are currently working to find interim logistical solutions by diverting imports through ports in Egypt and Cyprus. The boycott has sparked fears of shortages in sesame, tahini, coffee, and cocoa, as traditional trade routes relying on Gulf intermediary ports have been severed.
Israel lacks direct shipping lines for trade with Ethiopia, the primary source for its sesame and coffee bean imports. Goods are typically transported through the port of Djibouti before being transferred to intermediary hubs. Until recently, the port of Salalah in Oman served as the main stopover point for containers destined for Israel. However, in recent months, Oman has placed a veto on such cargo.
Previously, ports in Dubai served as an alternative, but that option has been blocked following the latest tensions with Iran. The Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz currently prevents ships carrying goods for Israel from entering the strait.
«We fear a shortage that everyone will feel on store shelves», — stated representatives from Achva, Israel's largest tahini manufacturer.
Sugat, which produces Al-Arz tahini, has also reported significant supply chain strain. While manufacturers have indicated they do not intend to raise prices, the logistical challenges pose a direct threat to the Israeli food industry.
This move represents a stark reversal in Oman's foreign policy. Just a few years ago, Oman was considered a key candidate to join the Abraham Accords. Official visits between Israeli and Omani representatives took place, and the countries were on the verge of a peace agreement. Today, the political climate has deteriorated to the point where an economic boycott is threatening the supply of basic consumer goods in Israel.
