Türkiye’s southeast region expands exports to Syria by 34% in January
A drone captures kilometers-long queues of Turkish export trucks from Hatay to Syria after the 61-year Baath regime's fall lifted the import ban, in Hatay, Türkiye, on Jan. 20, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Türkiye exported goods worth $67.57 million to Syria in January, marking a 34% year-over-year increase, according to the Southeast Anatolian Exporters’ Association (GAIB).
Data compiled from GAIB indicated that exports to Syria in January last year stood at $50.46 million, while this year’s figure saw a significant rise.
GAIB Coordinator President Ahmet Fikret Kileci told Anadolu Agency that Türkiye should focus on developing long-term strategic trade projects with Syria rather than short-term financial gains.
Grain exports expected to double
Kileci highlighted that Syria’s market is not only limited to its own borders but also serves as a gateway to deeper regions of the Middle East and even Africa.
“Syria has emerged from a prolonged war and is striving to rebuild itself. Türkiye has always supported Syria in its recovery efforts and will continue to do so,” he said.
Celal Kadooglu, president of the GAIB Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters’ Association, noted that grain and pulses would be among the top sectors driving export growth to Syria.
“We currently export approximately $350 million worth of grain and pulses to Syria annually. In the coming period, we have the potential to increase this figure to $500–600 million,” Kadooglu said.
