Syria Exports Over 10,000 Tons of Vegetables and Fruit to Gulf Markets

Syrian fruits and vegetables are distinguished by a unique flavor that makes them highly sought after in Arab and global markets—particularly in Gulf countries, which serve as the primary export destination when export channels open.

Export Volume and Gulf Market Focus

Muhammad al-Aqqad, a member of the Vegetable and Fruit Exporters Committee at Damascus’s Al-Hal Market, told Shafaq News that most Syrian fruit varieties are directed toward Gulf markets. He attributed the strong demand to the produce’s quality and seasonal variety.

Al-Aqqad stated that around 400 refrigerated containers—each with a capacity of nearly 25 tons—were exported over the past ten days, totaling approximately 10,000 tons.

He added that Syria exports 30 refrigerated containers daily, each carrying 25 tons, with the majority destined for Gulf states.

Domestic Price Pressures and Farmer Losses

Vegetable prices inside Syria have risen significantly recently, al-Aqqad noted. He linked this increase to the end of the summer growing season, combined with cold-storage costs and electricity tariffs. He explained that current market supplies consist largely of residual stocks from the final harvests.

Al-Aqqad emphasized that the Al-Hal Market committee holds no authority over prices outside the central market. He described wholesale prices as falling below production costs for farmers—who, he said, are suffering full-season losses.

He confirmed that vegetable prices remain extremely low relative to farmers’ actual production costs, while consumers perceive them as high relative to their incomes.

Limited Export Scope and Agricultural Support Needs

Despite surplus domestic vegetable production, al-Aqqad pointed out that only fruits, potatoes, and tomatoes are regularly exported. Most vegetables remain within Syria.

He highlighted the deteriorating financial condition of farmers, noting they failed to recover their production costs across most cultivated items. He stressed the urgent need for government support—specifically for agricultural diesel, fertilizers, and seeds—and called for diesel prices for farmers to be set lower than industrial diesel rates.