Türkiye and Syria agree on economic collaboration, including reevaluation of tariffs

Türkiye’s Trade Ministry announced on Friday an agreement with Syria’s new administration on economic collaboration to support the recovery of the Syrian economy, including strengthening trade and business cooperation with Turkish firms.

The reevaluation of Syrian customs tariffs, which had negatively impacted Turkish exporters, was also part of the agreement, according to the ministry’s statement.

In a series of high-level meetings held in Damascus on Thursday, the Trade Ministry engaged in critical discussions with Syria’s Minister of Trade and Consumer Protection Mahir Khalil al-Hasan, the Head of the Land and Sea Borders Authority Kutayba Badawi and Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Duhan.

“Significant progress has been achieved in Türkiye-Syria relations since the fall of the former Syrian regime on Dec. 8, 2024. In this new phase, the trade relations between the two nations are being reshaped,” the Trade Ministry noted.

The statement highlighted that Turkish goods now have access to all regions of Syria and underscored Türkiye’s position as Syria’s largest trade partner. It also addressed the ongoing efforts to resolve complications arising from Syria’s new customs regime, which came into effect on Jan. 11, 2025.

Syria’s unified customs duty system, introduced earlier this month, has raised tariffs by up to 300% at all border crossings. This policy shift has disrupted trade, sharply increasing costs for essential Turkish exports such as grains, legumes, oilseeds, and food products.

Key outcomes of the talks between Türkiye and Syria

During the talks, both sides discussed economic relations and customs policies, reaching agreements on the following key points:

1. Revision of customs tariffs: An agreement was reached to reevaluate the tariffs imposed on specific products under Syria’s new customs regime.
2. Reviving the free trade agreement (FTA): Negotiations will begin to reinstate the Türkiye-Syria FTA, which was suspended in 2011, to establish a more comprehensive economic partnership.
3. Economic cooperation: Enhanced collaboration in industrial and agricultural trade, transit transportation, and construction sectors is planned. Turkish companies are expected to play a pivotal role in Syria’s reconstruction.
4. Nationwide operations for Turkish firms: Measures will be taken to facilitate Turkish companies’ involvement in investment and reconstruction projects across Syria.
5. Border cooperation: Improved coordination at border crossings will ensure the efficient management of increased trade flows.

The Syrian government emphasized its openness to collaboration with Turkish firms in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure projects, signaling a readiness to offer new opportunities for Turkish businesses to contribute to Syria’s rebuilding efforts.