Turkey reports sharp rise in trade with Syria

By Malin Muhammad

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Turkey’s Minister of Trade announced on Tuesday that exports to Syria grew significantly in the first seven months of 2025, underscoring a widening trade imbalance between the two countries.

Minister Ömer Bolat said that Turkish exports to Syria reached $1.8 billion between January and July, reflecting a 53 percent increase compared with the same period last year. He added that total trade during that period amounted to nearly $1.9 billion, the majority of which was Turkish goods flowing into Syria.

According to Bolat, overall trade volume between the two countries in 2024 exceeded $2.6 billion, with Turkish exports making up $2.18 billion of that figure. Imports from Syria remained marginal in comparison.

The surge in Turkish exports comes amid deepening economic challenges inside Syria, where local production and industries continue to struggle after years of conflict, sanctions, and instability. Analysts note that Turkey has become one of the main suppliers of basic goods, food products, and construction materials entering Syrian markets.

While the Syrian government and Ankara maintain limited official contacts, trade has continued through cross-border commerce, particularly in areas under Syrian government control. However, the majority of goods originate in Turkey, highlighting Syria’s dependence on external supplies.

Economic experts inside Syria warn that the imbalance further exposes domestic markets to fluctuations in Turkish pricing and policy decisions. Meanwhile, Turkish officials present the growing trade as part of Ankara’s wider regional economic expansion.

Bolat’s remarks were made during a statement carried by Turkish media outlets. No Syrian government response was immediately available regarding the reported trade growth.