import/export

Politics and Trade: Muslims Boycott Dutch Products

Topics: Trade
Countries: Malaysia

Muslims in Malaysia and elsewhere are boycotting Dutch imports in the wake of an incendiary Internet-posted movie by Dutch legislator Geert Wilders. The right-wing politician means to provoke with his 15-minute anti-Islamization movie, Fitna, which many say equates Islam with terrorism.

In Malaysia, where more than six of every 10 inhabitants are Muslim, the Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the film. The Religious Council has also urged the boycott of Dutch products, saying it created unnecessary tensions.

One of Malaysia’s leading supermarket chains initiated a "soft boycott" in 40 stores by marking the products with red labels. The chain buys $18.8 million worth of Dutch goods a year, ranging from dairy products and cosmetics to electronics.

Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said that a boycott would make the Netherlands "close shop" since the world's 1.3 billion Muslims make up the wealthiest population and are also the biggest importers. “We must not be afraid of losing trade with them. If we do, then we won't be thinking as Muslims, but more for our own self interests," he said.

The Dutch are fearful that the boycotts will affect their businesses. Malaysian dairy giant Dutch Lady Milk Industries took out full-page newspaper advertisements to denounce the film. Dutch businesses are even threatening to take legal action against Wilders if their businesses were affected by his film.

Oman, Jordan, Singapore, Pakistan and the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are among others who have condemned the film.

From the Archives

Flowers for Sale

Previously filed under: South America, Trade
Imported flowers, like other internationally traded commodities such as coffee, require ethical business practices to ensure worker-friendly and sustainable industries.

From the Archives

Russia Puts Energy Importers Over a Barrel

Previously filed under: Global Economy
Current negotiations may redirect large quantities of Russian energy supplies into Asia rather than being sent west to Europe.

Breaking News

Surplus Rice in Japan 'Could End Rice Crisis'

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 01:44
Selling excess rice held in Japan and imported from the United States would incite a rapid drop in the global price of rice but requires immediate action from Tokyo and Washington, write former editor of The Rice Trader, Tom Slayton, and policy analyst, Peter Timmer.

Half in Ten

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 01:44
Four prominent American social justice groups are launching a campaign to halve poverty in the United States in 10 years.

Myanmar Farmers May Miss Harvest

New York Times - Thu, 05/15/2008 - 21:34
The timing of Cyclone Nargis, which disrupted farmers as they were preparing to plant, could not have been worse.

In Departure, China Invites Outside Help

New York Times - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 02:08
China sought experts and equipment from Japan and Taiwan as President Hu Jintao visited the area affected by the earthquake.

The Caucus: Edwards to Endorse Obama

New York Times - Wed, 05/14/2008 - 15:38
The Obama campaign is hoping that John Edwards’s endorsement will be taken as the start of a coalescence around Mr. Obama as the nominee.

Recent comments

Countries

An initiative of Mercy Corps
“You must be the change
you wish to see in the world”
Mahatma Gandhi
Learn more about Mercy Corps >

Efficiency

Over the last five years, more than 89% of Mercy Corps' resources have been allocated directly to programs

Excellence

Mercy Corps is a Charity Navigator 4-star charity.

Click to view our rating from America's premier charity evaluator.

High Value

Every dollar you donate to Mercy Corps helps us secure $20.89 in donated food and other critical supplies.

Mercy Corps — Dept. W — 3015 SW First Ave — Portland, OR 97201
All original content Copyright © 2008 Mercy Corps. Quoted and linked content is property of the creator(s). Mercy Corps will not sell, rent or trade your personal information.