By Ardo Juweid
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The entry of Turkish clothing and manufactured goods into Syrian markets has triggered a new crisis for local producers in Aleppo, Syria’s industrial lifeline and economic capital.
More than a decade of war and destruction has left the Syrian economy in deep turmoil, and the growing influx of Turkish products is further worsening the national economy.
Turkish imports
Abdullah Samsom, 35, a producer and owner of a sewing workshop in Aleppo, says that local manufacturers are suffering from market stagnation, with goods piling up in warehouses as foreign—especially Turkish—products flood the market, severely undermining their competitiveness.
Samsom adds that Aleppo has a long history of clothing and industrial production across various fields, but the city has been experiencing an unprecedented recession due to years of war and economic deterioration. These conditions threaten the survival of producers and small business owners.
He says, “Foreign goods have had a significant impact, not just on me but on many others. We have unsold stock piling up because no one is buying.”
Despite often being more expensive, Turkish goods remain in high demand due to consumer preference for well-known brands.
The situation is further complicated by fluctuating raw material prices. For example, Swedish suede fabric, which used to sell for $6.30 per kilo, now costs only $3. This sharp drop in prices has placed additional pressure on local producers, making it increasingly difficult to market their products.
Samsom notes that these changes have resulted in significant losses, making it unsustainable for local manufacturers to continue operating under such conditions.
Factories at a standstill
According to Samsom, nearly 90 percent of Aleppo’s factories and workshops have shut down.
His words reflect the deep frustration among local producers as the industry faces severe setbacks. Hiring workers has become increasingly difficult, as wages no longer cover basic living expenses.
Stagnation in trade
Mohammad Waez, 40, a clothing merchant in Aleppo, describes the state of the local industry as completely stagnant. “The market is at a complete standstill. There’s no business activity at all. The economic situation is very bad, and sales have completely stopped,” he says.
Speaking to North Press, Waez explains that despite a slight improvement in prices, purchasing power remains extremely weak, making little impact on consumer demand.
He highlights that market activity is heavily dependent on the payment of government salaries, which helps circulate money in the economy.
“Half of the population relies on government wages. If salaries are not paid in full or increased, the economy will not recover. Purchasing power is already too low,” he notes.
While Waez emphasizes the high quality of locally made clothing, he acknowledges that manufacturers still face major challenges, particularly in terms of production costs and marketing. Inflation and fluctuations in the exchange rate have severely disrupted sales.
He calls on the new government to engage directly with manufacturers and producers to find long-term solutions for the struggling industrial sector, stressing the need for exchange rate stabilization.
Waez also points out that closed borders with Jordan and Iraq have negatively impacted export opportunities and overall trade activity.
Customs tariffs
Mohammad al-Gharib, a professor at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Aleppo, argues that imposing customs tariffs is an essential tool for protecting local production and ensuring fair competition between domestic producers and foreign importers.
“Customs tariffs are essential for protecting national production and local industries. Tariffs must be carefully studied,” he tells North Press.
He explains that a uniform tariff system is ineffective, as different product categories require tailored tariff structures that reflect production costs and market competition.
Al-Gharib stresses the need for a clear tariff policy, where sensitive industries receive stronger protection through higher tariffs, while more competitive industries face lower duties.
He also highlights the direct impact of currency exchange rates on local industries, noting that fluctuations in the Syrian pound’s value are often driven by manipulation in the black market.
“In my view, maintaining a stable exchange rate is even more important than lowering it. A stable currency attracts investors and revitalizes industry.”
If the new Syrian government can stabilize the exchange rate, al-Gharib believes it will attract investments and facilitate local production growth, making export agreements easier to establish, he says.
He emphasizes that customs tariffs should not be seen as an obstacle to free trade but as a strategic tool to protect local industries and strengthen the national economy.