Türkiye-Syria Trade Accelerates as Turkish Exports Surge 35.5% in Early 2025

Trade between Türkiye and Syria has gained momentum in early 2025, with Turkish exports to Syria rising 35.5% year-on-year to reach $219 million as of Jan. 25, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said in an interview with Anadolu on Tuesday.

Growing Economic Ties Amid Policy Changes

Bolat emphasized that Syria’s new administration is working in “close cooperation” with Türkiye, fostering optimism for trade, investment, and reconstruction efforts. However, he noted that a sweeping customs revision introduced on Jan. 11 impacted trade dynamics. The policy update adjusted 6,302 customs duties, signaling a shift toward a unified customs system designed to boost Syria’s revenue.

“While customs duties on some items increased in northern Syria, others saw reductions. However, we have identified a disinformation campaign falsely claiming that Turkish goods face higher tariffs than those from Arab countries,” Bolat stated. He clarified that these changes were not specifically aimed at Türkiye but rather intended to address Syria’s public expenditure needs.

Free Trade Agreement Revival and Inflation Concerns

Türkiye has proposed reviving the 2007 Free Trade Agreement, which was suspended after the Syrian revolution. “We suggested a product-by-product negotiation process, and the Syrian side responded positively,” Bolat said.

Addressing concerns over inflation, Türkiye warned Syria that higher customs duties on essential goods could exacerbate price increases. “We recommended reducing tariffs on basic necessities to help curb inflation,” Bolat explained, noting that Syria lowered duties on 269 essential products, including milk, eggs, flour, iron, steel, and plastic items as a result.

Trade Volume and Cross-Border Activity

Türkiye’s exports to northern Syria totaled $2.2 billion in 2023, while imports stood at $450 million before the collapse of the Assad regime. Following the Jan. 11 customs revision, Turkish exports to Syria surged to $130 million in just two weeks, marking a 33% increase in that short period.

Cross-border trade activity also saw an uptick, with an average of 532 vehicles per day crossing into Syria through the Hatay border gate between Jan. 15-20, compared to 527 vehicles daily in the first five days of the year.

As Türkiye and Syria strengthen economic cooperation, Bolat expressed confidence in further trade expansion and investment opportunities in the region.