Citrus fruit market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Syria's citrus fruit production and market volume saw significant fluctuations. In 2018 and 2019, strong export demand to Gulf countries, Iraq, and neighboring nations supported domestic output, with daily citrus exports reaching around 625 tonnes. This export orientation helped push production to 2.6 million tonnes in 2019. However, in 2020, production fell to 2.0 million tonnes as high transport and labor costs at the start of the citrus season squeezed profitability. During this period, the gradual spread of tropical fruit cultivation in Tartus signaled diversification within the fruit sector, though it did not directly drive citrus volumes.

The years 2021 through 2023 were marked by volatility. In 2021, market volume edged up slightly amid persistently high fruit and vegetable prices and weak consumer purchasing power. The following year, production plunged to 1.4 million tonnes, a drop likely exacerbated by large-scale exports of vegetables and fruits to the Gulf—272 thousand tonnes in just two months—which diverted supply and strained domestic logistics. By 2023, production rebounded to 2.0 million tonnes, fueled by soaring prices that exceeded 200% due to inflation and regional tensions, alongside a gradual revival of fruit-processing activities such as dried fruit production using modern techniques.

Looking at 2024, import and export flows continued to evolve, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key destination for Syrian fruit preparations and fresh fruit, highlighting the growing reliance on export markets. However, the agricultural sector faced mounting challenges, including transport and distribution costs, border congestion, and broader systemic risks that threatened sustained growth. Over the full period, the citrus market remained sensitive to export opportunities, internal cost pressures, and macroeconomic instability.

Production citrus fruit in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Syria ranked 22nd globally in citrus fruit production.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Syria's citrus fruit production declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 2 033 thousand tons, marking a significant drop of 20.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 11.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 572 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 11.1% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Syria's citrus fruit output was valued at 850 million US dollars, down 41.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 41.7%, representing an annualized decrease of 16.4%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, when production value rose by 24.0%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Syria's citrus fruit exports grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 30 450 tons, showing a strong increase of 15.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 418.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 73.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (32.2% of exports by volume), Kuwait (18.6%), and Qatar (10.0%) were the primary markets for Syria's citrus fruit exports, collectively accounting for 60.8% of total export flows.

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 showed an unstable trend during this period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, citrus fruit exports from Syria totaled 12 735 thousand US dollars, representing a significant decline of 15.0% from the previous year. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 14 983 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 159.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia (31.3% of export value), Kuwait (17.4%), and Russia (11.7%) together accounted for 60.3% of Syria's citrus fruit export value, making them the main destinations.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Syria's citrus fruit imports increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 25 143 tons, marking a substantial year-over-year growth of 21.6%. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 1708.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 162.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Syria's import pattern showed strong reliance on Turkey, which accounted for 92.6% of total import volume.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while imports peaked in 2020, with a 26-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Syria imported approximately 13 511 thousand US dollars worth of citrus fruit, representing a sharp increase of 306.8% compared to 2019. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 8.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 586.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (56.9% of total import value) and Egypt (42.2%) were the two dominant sources for Syria's citrus fruit imports, together comprising 99.2% of total import flows.

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

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