Iraq emerges as key market for Syria’s value-added exports – Shafaq News

Shafaq News- Damascus

Syria is shifting from raw-material exports to higher-value
products, with Iraq among its main markets alongside Jordan and the Gulf, Khaled
al-Khader, director general of the Syrian Authority for Supporting and
Developing Local Production and Exports, told Shafaq News on Wednesday.

Al-Khader said the monetary and qualitative value of Syrian
exports has improved significantly despite economic challenges, driven by
greater emphasis on quality and manufacturing.

Among Syria’s most competitive exports are agricultural
products and medicinal plants, particularly olive oil, cumin, anise, citrus
fruits and summer produce such as cherries and grapes. Nuts, especially Aleppo
pistachios, also rank among the country’s competitive products, according to
Al-Khader.

Gulf markets are among the main destinations for Syrian
fresh agricultural products and food industries, while Iraq and Jordan offer
important opportunities because of their geographic proximity and relatively
easy commercial exchange through land crossings. “Markets in Eurasia, the
“1105” group, and African countries also represent strategic opportunities for
Syrian agricultural and textile products,” Al-Khader added.

Export volumes over the past two years have remained
generally stable for seasonal and industrial products, according to available
data. Al-Khader said export volumes remain linked to the agricultural calendar
and domestic market needs.

Higher export values have resulted from several factors,
including greater added value as producers move from exporting raw materials to
processed and packaged goods, such as bottled olive oil. Inflation and higher
global prices, particularly for food and commodities, have also contributed to
the increase in the overall value of export sales.

“Improved product quality and the acquisition of quality
certifications by several Syrian products have additionally helped exporters
enter markets with greater purchasing power,” al-Khader clarified.

Agricultural exports account for the largest share of
Syria’s exports, ranging from 7 tons to 2,070 tons of total exports, he said,
citing the country’s fertile agricultural base and seasonal surpluses,
particularly in citrus fruits, produce, spices and olives. Industrial and food exports account for the remaining share,
ranging from 125 tons to 1,145 tons, with a focus on processed food products,
textiles, chemicals and detergents.