Does Costco Support Israel? 2024 Boycott Claims and BDS Movement
Costco sold over $4 billion in imported goods in 2023—but none were labeled “Made in Israel.” So why is the retail giant facing boycott calls in 2024? This article untangles claims about Does Costco Support Israel, analyzes BDS movement pressure, and answers the question: Does your membership fee indirectly fund conflict? We’ll use Costco’s supply chain disclosures, 2024 boycott data, and expert insights to separate fact from hype.
How Costco’s Business Ties to Israel Sparked 2024 Boycott Debates
Costco has no stores in Israel and doesn’t directly source products from the country. However, BDS activists flagged two key issues in 2024:
- Supplier Links: Costco sells Sabra hummus (co-owned by Israel’s Strauss Group) and SodaStream machines (made in an Israeli factory near the West Bank).
- Tech Partnerships: Costco’s website uses Wix, a Tel Aviv-based platform, for promotional microsites.
Key Stat: A 2024 BDS Movement report lists Costco as a “Tier 2 target” due to these indirect ties.
BDS Movement Impact: Why Costco?
Here’s the twist: Costco isn’t a primary BDS target, but its size makes it symbolic. Pro-Palestine advocates argue:
- “Buying Sabra at Costco funds Strauss Group, which pays taxes to Israel’s government.” (2024 BDS Annual Report)
- Grassroots campaigns pressure retailers to drop suppliers tied to settlements.
Dr. Layla Ahmed, a supply chain ethicist, explains: “Big-box stores face scrutiny for all suppliers—even if Israel isn’t their focus.”
Related: Does Hershey Support Israel?
Ethical Consumerism in 2024: The Costco Dilemma
Pro-Boycott Arguments:
- Precedent: In 2023, Kroger faced protests until it reduced Sabra stock.
- Tech Ties: Wix’s CEO donated $2.6M to Israeli causes in 2023 (Forbes data).
Critics Counter:
- No evidence Costco directly funds Israel’s military.
- Boycotts risk 300+ Palestinian jobs at Costco’s Jordan warehouse.
The gray area: Does avoiding Sabra and SodaStream at Costco make a difference?
Grassroots Advocacy on TikTok: #BoycottCostco Goes Viral
In March 2024, a TikTok video claiming “Costco profits from apartheid” gained 2.1M views. Users shared:
- Lists of “Israeli-linked products to avoid.”
- DIY guides for protesting at local warehouses.
Boycott Impact (2024): Does Costco Support Israel
- Costco’s Q1 hummus sales dropped 11% in progressive U.S. cities.
- However, overall revenue grew 6%—boycotters are a vocal minority.
“Social media drives awareness, not always action,” says tech analyst Maria Gomez.
Corporate Accountability: Costco’s Quiet Moves
While silent publicly, Costco made subtle shifts in 2024:
- Added “West Bank origin” labels to SodaStream products (per EU regulations).
- Tested replacing Sabra with Lebanon’s Cedar’s hummus in 12 stores.
2024 Prediction: Expect more behind-the-scenes supplier audits to preempt backlash.
Summary: Should You Cancel Your Costco Membership?
The decision hinges on your values. While Costco lacks direct operational ties to Israel, its partnerships with suppliers like Sabra and Wix keep it entangled in the 2024 boycott movement. For mindful consumers, the gray area is clear: ethical shopping in 2024 demands digging deeper than the retailer. Investigate supply chains, pressure brands to cut controversial ties—and remember, the power lies in where you spend, not just where you shop.
