Complete guide to shipping from Israel to New York, featuring efficient transatlantic routes for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and technology products with US-Israel FTA benefits and comprehensive customs compliance.
The Israel to New York shipping route represents a major transatlantic trade corridor connecting Israel's advanced technology and pharmaceutical sectors with North American markets. Israel has emerged as a global innovation leader, with world-class companies in semiconductors, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and software driving significant exports to the United States.
Israel's strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean, combined with its highly educated workforce and research-intensive industries, makes it an increasingly important source for high-value imports into the United States. The US-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been in force since 1985, provides duty-free access for most Israeli industrial products, making this a cost-effective sourcing route for American importers.
The transatlantic shipping route between Israeli ports and the New York/Newark area offers regular weekly services from both Haifa and Ashdod, with transit times of 20-26 days for full container loads. This modern, reliable service connects Israeli exporters directly to the largest consumer market in the world and the gateway to North American distribution networks.
Whether shipping advanced electronics, life-saving pharmaceuticals, innovative medical devices, or specialty chemicals, this route provides businesses with efficient, duty-advantaged access to American markets while leveraging Israel's position as a global technology leader.
Haifa is Israel's largest and most important container port, located on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Handling over 1.5 million TEUs annually, Haifa serves as the primary gateway for Israeli exports including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals destined for North American and European markets.
Key features for North American exporters:
Haifa is the natural choice for most exporters to North America, offering the widest selection of transatlantic carrier services and highly efficient turnaround times.
Ashdod is Israel's second-largest container port, located south of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean coast. With over 1 million TEU annual capacity, Ashdod serves as an important alternative gateway for cargo destined for the US East Coast and European markets.
Key advantages for North American-bound shipments:
Ashdod offers flexibility and competitive rates for exporters in central Israel, particularly those shipping electronics and medical devices to North America.
Multiple major shipping lines operate direct weekly services from Israeli ports to New York/Newark including:
These carriers provide consistent, reliable service with predictable 20-26 day transit times to New York/Newark area ports.
Get competitive rates for your Israel to New York shipment.
Port Newark is one of the largest and busiest container ports in the United States, located in Newark, New Jersey, serving the New York metropolitan area. Handling over 2.5 million TEUs annually, Port Newark is the primary gateway for East Coast containerized cargo and offers excellent connectivity to inland North American distribution networks.
Key features for Israeli exporters:
Port Newark is the most common discharge port for Israeli shipments to New York, offering superior infrastructure and fastest customs processing.
The New York Container Port serves the greater New York metropolitan area with deep-water berths and modern container handling facilities. With over 1.5 million TEU capacity, it serves as a complementary gateway to Port Newark for cargo destined to Manhattan and surrounding areas.
Key advantages:
New York Port offers an alternative discharge location for some carrier services, particularly those emphasizing final delivery to Manhattan-based distribution centers.
The choice between Port Newark and New York Container Port depends on several factors:
Many Israeli exporters work with US importers who maintain flexibility to use either port based on optimal routing and timing for each shipment.
The standard routing from Israeli Mediterranean ports to the US East Coast traverses the Suez Canal into the Atlantic, then northward along the European coast before crossing the North Atlantic to New York/Newark area. This approximately 5,600 nautical mile journey typically takes 20-26 days for FCL shipments.
The transatlantic route offers several advantages:
While most services follow the direct Mediterranean-Atlantic route, some alternative routings may be offered:
Key considerations affecting Israel to New York transit times include:
Shippers should account for the following in transit planning:
Total lead time from order to delivery typically ranges from 10-16 weeks depending on production complexity and shipping method.
FCL shipping is the primary method for Israel to New York trade, optimal for shipments filling at least half a standard container. Standard equipment includes 20-foot (TEU), 40-foot standard, and 40-foot high cube containers. For Israeli electronics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical exports, FCL offers significant advantages:
Electronics manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical suppliers typically utilize FCL for their North American shipments due to the consistent volumes and need to protect sensitive cargo.
LCL consolidation services suit smaller shipments, sample orders, or companies testing the US market:
LCL is particularly useful for Israeli startups and smaller manufacturers establishing US market presence or fulfilling smaller bulk orders.
Air freight serves time-sensitive and urgent shipments between Israel and the United States:
Major air cargo carriers serving the Israel-US route include:
Air freight is commonly used for pharmaceutical samples, urgent medical device shipments, software, and emergency components requiring rapid US delivery.
Specialized handling options for Israeli exports include:
All imports into the United States are regulated by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security. The CBP enforces import regulations, collects duties and taxes, and prevents the import of restricted items. Understanding CBP requirements and the US-Israel FTA is essential for smooth clearance.
The US-Israel Free Trade Agreement, signed in 1985 and updated in 2005, is one of the most successful trade agreements for the United States. The FTA eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs on most Israeli industrial products, making Israel an attractive sourcing location for US importers. Key features include:
Israeli pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers must comply with FDA regulations:
Two key customs filing requirements apply to all cargo:
For FTA-eligible Israeli products, duties are calculated as follows:
FTA claimants must maintain detailed documentation for five years supporting origin and value claims:
US CBP may conduct audits of FTA claims, requiring immediate access to these records.
Certain items cannot benefit from FTA treatment or are prohibited entirely:
Understanding freight cost elements helps optimize Israel to New York shipping budgets:
The primary advantage of Israeli sourcing is dramatic customs duty reduction through FTA benefits:
Comprehensive cost evaluation for Israel to New York shipments should include:
Shippers can reduce total landed costs through:
Israel's cost advantages versus alternative Asian sources:
For pharmaceutical and medical device imports, Israeli sourcing often provides the best total landed cost due to FTA duty elimination and shorter transit times.
Full container load via major carriers through Mediterranean and Atlantic routes with regular weekly sailings from Israeli ports
Less than container load with consolidation in Israel and deconsolidation at Port Newark or New York terminals
Priority air freight via connecting flights to New York area airports (JFK, Newark) with expedited customs clearance
Regular air freight service via hub cities with competitive rates for time-sensitive shipments
Transit times are estimates and may vary based on carrier schedules, port congestion, weather conditions, and customs clearance. Contact us for current transit times and availability.
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