Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria stops exporting olives

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) stopped exporting olives outside its areas of control, following the recent significant increase in olive prices.

The city of Manbij is famous for growing olives, and olives are classified as a main source of livelihood for many residents. The percentage of lands planted with olives is about 40 percent of the cultivated area, according to the statistics of the Agriculture Directorate in the city of Manbij and its countryside.

The increase in the price of olives came as a result of their exportation to areas outside the Autonomous Administration, according to the text of the decision.

Muhammed Muhammed, Director General of Customs, said in a statement to North Press that the decision includes stopping the export of olive oil and olives abroad due to the region’s need for them.

Muhammad said, “The decision stated that stopping the export will continue until further notice, and it can be reviewed at a later time when the needs of the region are met.”

Customs directorates and border crossings in the northeastern regions of Syria received a copy of the decision to begin work with, according to the Director General of Customs.

Olive cultivation is spread across different areas of Syria, and the Afrin region was one of the most famous Syrian olive-producing regions before the Turkish invasion in 2018.