Syria Exports Over 270,000 Tons of Produce to Gulf Neighbors Amid Economic Rebound
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria exported more than 270,000 tons of fruits and vegetables to neighboring countries over the past two months, marking a notable uptick in regional trade and economic activity after years of stagnation due to conflict and political isolation.
According to statements made Saturday by Mohammad al-Akkad, head of the Damascus wholesale produce market (Souq al-Hal), approximately 272,500 tons of locally grown agricultural products—primarily citrus fruits and vegetables—were exported to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries since early February.
“The Gulf market, especially Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar, has witnessed increased demand for Syrian agricultural goods, and our exports have grown steadily as border logistics improve,” al-Akkad told state-affiliated al-Thawra newspaper.
The resurgence in exports reflects renewed trade momentum through key border crossings, particularly the reopened Nasib crossing with Jordan. The crossing, a vital trade artery connecting Syria to Jordan and the broader Gulf region, has been gradually returning to full functionality after years of disruption.
Syria’s agricultural sector—one of the few economic pillars to survive amid prolonged war—has experienced a relative resurgence as calm returns to several key production zones, particularly in coastal regions and parts of the central and southern governorates.
Al-Akkad noted that domestic supply remains strong, with produce arriving in bulk from coastal cities as well as through imports from Jordan and Egypt. Local availability has, in turn, created a competitive market that has helped stabilize prices and curb exploitative practices among traders.
“The resumption of export flows has benefited both farmers and consumers,” said al-Akkad. “It ensures surplus production is channeled abroad, while competitive pricing prevents monopolistic behaviors inside the country.”
According to local agricultural experts, Syria’s produce—particularly citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens—has retained a strong foothold in Gulf markets due to its relatively lower cost and comparable quality.
While the broader Syrian economy continues to grapple with inflation, fuel shortages, and currency devaluation, the uptick in agricultural exports offers a glimmer of economic relief. Cross-border trade, especially through Jordan and Iraq, is emerging as a key survival mechanism for farmers and logistics operators.
Though not without challenges—including fuel costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and occasional border delays—traders have welcomed recent developments such as eased customs restrictions and diplomatic gestures aimed at facilitating commerce.
The increased export volume also underscores the importance of maintaining logistical corridors and customs infrastructure across the southern and eastern border crossings. Local governance bodies, including those within the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), have similarly emphasized trade facilitation as part of regional stability efforts.
While the agricultural export boom has injected fresh momentum into the Syrian economy, experts caution that sustainability hinges on broader reforms, including transparent trade regulation, investment in cold storage and transport facilities, and environmental protections for over-farmed land.
Meanwhile, officials continue to look toward expanded trade partnerships, particularly with Iraq and Lebanon, as Syria seeks to reassert itself as a regional agricultural hub despite ongoing sanctions and fragmented governance structures.
As the country inches toward economic normalization in some sectors, trade in agricultural goods is expected to remain a bellwether for Syria’s wider economic recovery—offering livelihoods for tens of thousands of Syrians and signaling cautious reintegration into regional markets.