“Syrian Factories at Risk of Closure” as Turkish Goods Flood Damascus Markets

By Norman Abbas

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – More than a decade of war and economic crises has left Syria’s local industries vulnerable, as an influx of smuggled Turkish goods threatens the survival of domestic manufacturers.

Cheap and Expired Products

Simon Anabi, a Damascus resident, told North Press that Syrian-made goods are known for their high quality compared to the cheaper Turkish imports, which are often expired or fail to meet quality standards.

“This situation has destroyed our national industry, which once had a strong reputation,” he said. The influx of substandard smuggled goods has placed increasing pressure on local factories, leading to unfair competition and endangering thousands of workers.

Muhammad Zarif, another Damascus resident, emphasized the severe impact Turkish imports have had on Syria’s industries. “Many factories have shut down, and thousands of workers have lost their jobs,” he said, pointing to the lack of effective market oversight as a major factor exacerbating the crisis.

Tariffs Hamper Industrial Growth

Louay Nahlawi, Vice President of the Damascus and Rural Chamber of Industry, stated that competing with imported goods has become increasingly difficult. Many longstanding Syrian factories now face closure.

Nahlawi highlighted the struggles of Syrian manufacturers, including high electricity and fuel costs. Despite previous government pledges to reduce tariffs on raw materials, rising customs duties continue to hinder industrial growth. “The biggest challenge now is creating a supportive environment for local manufacturers,” he said, calling for decisive government intervention.

Meanwhile, Syrian industrialist Atef Tayfour, who resides abroad, warned that the country’s manufacturing sector is in grave danger. He told North Press that the declining exchange rate is an illusion, as production has plummeted by nearly 90%.

“The smuggled goods on the market pose the biggest threat to Syria’s industry,” he said, warning of a potential economic collapse if current conditions persist. “If we fail to regulate imports and support local production, we will face a catastrophe.”

Following the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s new government announced a series of economic reforms, including allowing dollar transactions and reducing customs duties by 50-60%, according to the Financial Times.

Minister of Internal Trade Maher Khalil al-Hassan previously told SANA that these reforms aim to “revitalize the economy, sustain institutions, and serve citizens.”