Cheese and curd market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The Syrian cheese and curd market experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2023. Drought conditions in 2018 reduced milk availability, contributing to a contraction in market volume to 176 thousand tons in 2019. This was followed by a sharp recovery in 2020, when the market expanded to 221 thousand tons, driven by the start of the traditional cheese season in Al-Hasakah and lower retail prices for products made from sheep, goat, and cow milk.

Market volume declined again in 2021 and 2022, falling to 179 thousand tons, as persistent drought continued to constrain agricultural and livestock output. During this period, government-led initiatives such as the 'Made in Syria' festival and price discounts of up to 40% on national products aimed to stimulate domestic consumption and support households. By 2023, the market showed modest growth, reaching 191 thousand tons.

Production cheese and curd in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, cheese and curd production in Syria rebounded. In 2020, Syria produced 224.1 thousand tonnes of cheese and curd, marking a 25.8% year-over-year increase. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 178.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual decline of 11.3% occurring that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cheese and curd production in Syria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 507.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 6.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 39.3%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 11.7%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Syria's cheese and curd exports grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 3 492 tonnes, up 13.7% year-over-year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 002 tonnes, with the largest annual decline of 25.0% occurring that year. Exports then surged by 53.3% in 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 30.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon were the primary destinations for Syria's cheese and curd exports in volume terms. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 50.3% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 19.2%, and Lebanon for 18.1%, together making up 87.6% of total export volumes.

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

The market for cheese and curd exports from Syria experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2018, export value hit its lowest point at 4 551 thousand US dollars, while it peaked in 2019 at 8 197 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. The largest annual increase of 80.1% occurred in 2019. In 2020, exports were recorded at 7 909 thousand US dollars, down 3.5% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia dominated Syria's cheese and curd exports in value terms. The United Arab Emirates held a 31.0% share, Lebanon 28.1%, and Saudi Arabia 24.2%, collectively accounting for 83.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Syria's cheese and curd imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 197 tonnes, a sharp 68.9% drop compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 1 135 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 64.2% recorded that year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 71.5%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 34.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the dominant source for Syria's cheese and curd imports in volume terms, accounting for 83.9% of total imports, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

Cheese and curd imports into Syria fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value was recorded at 820 thousand US dollars, indicating a 63.4% year-over-year decrease. The highest import value occurred in 2018 at 4 384 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 64.0% that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 69.3%, averaging an annual decrease of 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the central partner for Syria's cheese and curd imports in value terms, with an 81.6% share of total imports, while other markets played a less significant role.

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

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