Iran holds a 10% share of Syria’s import market, significantly trailing regional competitors such as Turkey, China, and Russia, according to a recent report by the Iran-Syria Joint Chamber of Commerce. The report highlights persistent challenges facing Iranian exporters, particularly limited access to regional transit routes.
Turkey dominates Syria’s import market with a commanding 50% share, making it the country’s leading supplier of imported goods. In contrast, Iran’s market share remains modest, despite longstanding political and economic ties between Tehran and Damascus.
The report identifies lack of effective regional cooperation as a critical barrier to expanding Iran-Syria trade. "Given the geographical constraints, transit routes through neighboring countries are vital. However, stringent regulations and lack of alignment with Iranian and Syrian trade policies have hindered access," the report said.
Regional partners’ failure to implement trade agreements and the imposition of both tariff and non-tariff barriers were cited as key factors undermining direct trade between the two countries.