Turkish trade ministry announces meeting in Syria on free trade agreement, addressing tariff concerns

Türkiye’s Trade Ministry announced on Friday that negotiations on a free trade agreement are ongoing, with a face-to-face meeting planned for next week.

The discussions follow the implementation of 300% customs tariffs by Syria’s new administration, which has posed a challenge to bilateral trade relations. The ministry’s statement noted that as of Jan. 11, a uniform taxation system was introduced across all customs administrations in Syria, remarking “This tax system is being implemented uniformly at all border crossings and customs offices in Syria.”

The statement highlighted Türkiye’s collaboration with Syria to revive the country’s economic development, ensure access to essential goods for the Syrian population under favorable conditions, and deliver the materials needed for reconstruction activities.

New free trade agreement between Türkiye and Syria

In light of the recent customs tariff regulations, discussions on trade, customs, and foreign policy are ongoing, the statement read.

The statement further detailed that consultations on customs tariffs have been conducted with Syrian counterparts, adding:

During the discussions, a face-to-face meeting was planned for next week. Both sides have expressed a shared willingness to implement a new and more comprehensive free trade agreement. Türkiye will actively contribute to Syria’s development initiatives, with its companies playing a vital role in this process. We once again underline our readiness to cooperate with our Syrian brothers and sisters toward common goals.

Turkish Trade Ministry

A crisis has emerged at Türkiye’s border with Syria following the Syrian administration’s decision to impose customs tariffs of up to 300% on all imported goods, causing a halt to Turkish exports this week. The move has left over 3,000 trucks stranded at various border gates, with queues stretching over 6 kilometers (3.72 miles).

The new system has unified these duties, leading to a dramatic rise in tariffs on Turkish goods, reaching up to 300%. This steep hike has substantially increased costs, causing major disruptions to trade and heavily impacting key export sectors like grains, legumes, oilseeds, and other food products, which constitute a significant share of Türkiye’s exports to Syria.