Bread market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The Syrian bread market was initially supported by state measures, including a smart-card subsidy program and the licensing of 175 new bakeries, which helped maintain supply. However, by 2020, a severe fuel shortage disrupted oven operations, forcing some bakeries to halt production, while soaring inflation increased overall food costs. These pressures combined to sharply reduce the market volume to 13 350 t.

Post-2020, the market recovered, reaching 17 066 t in 2021 despite declining domestic wheat harvests due to the war. This rebound was likely supported by increased flour or bread imports. In subsequent years, the state adapted its subsidy program—for example, reducing the number of loaves per pack from 12 to 10 while holding the price—to sustain accessibility. Nevertheless, the cost of key inputs like flour and fuel rose by over 200% by 2023, squeezing production margins and prompting debates on ending subsidies and adjusting loaf weight.

By 2023, market volume had climbed to 18 723 t, nearing the 2018 level, driven by a rise in domestic bread production to 14 888 t. This increase occurred even as wheat yields fell in key growing regions, highlighting the role of ongoing, albeit modified, state support in stabilizing supply.

Production bread in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of bread, 2017-2020

World map of production of bread, 2017-2020

Syria's bread production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 13 572 tons, with the largest annual increase of 29.2% recorded that year. However, by 2020, production fell to 11 767 tons, marking a significant contraction of 13.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 15.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Syria in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bread production in Syria declined following a two-year uptick. In 2019, output reached its highest value at 37 386 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 34.5% occurring that year. By 2020, production dropped to 24 067 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial decrease of 35.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 3.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Syria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports bread from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Syria's bread export volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 828 tons, with the largest annual decline of 23.4% recorded that year. By 2020, exports rose to 1 675 tons, showing a sharp advance of 45.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 55%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Syria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of bread from Syria in volume terms were Former Sudan, accounting for 24.5% of exports, Saudi Arabia with 14.1%, and Lebanon at 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 49.5% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base for Syria's bread shipments.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Syria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Bread shipments from Syria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their minimum value at 2 192 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual decline of 17.2% occurring that year. By 2020, exports climbed to 3 426 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual gain of 8.2% compared to 2019. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 44.5%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 29.4%, with an average annual rate of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Syria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017 to 2020, Syria's bread exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top destinations were Saudi Arabia with 12.5% of exports, the United States at 11.5%, and Former Sudan with 10.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for only 34.9% of total export flows, highlighting the diversified nature of Syria's export partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Syria in value, 2017-2020

Imports bread to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Imported bread volumes in Syria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 257 tons, corresponding to a year-over-year decrease of 39.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 69.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 32.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Syria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Syria's bread imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Turkey accounting for 98.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Syria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of bread imports in Syria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 4 808 thousand US dollars, indicating a decrease of 46.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 75%, with a compound annual decline rate of 37.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Syria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated Syria's bread imports in value terms, concentrating almost all flows with a share of 98.2%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Syria in value, 2017-2020