Fresh grapes market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The Syrian fresh grape market expanded by 14% in 2019, reaching 259 thousand tons. This growth coincided with the military defeat of ISIS in early 2019, which improved security in agricultural regions and likely facilitated farming activities and market access.

A sharp contraction followed over the next two years, with the market volume dropping by 15% in 2021 to 209 thousand tons. The implementation of the Caesar Act sanctions in 2020 severely constrained the agricultural sector by limiting access to essential inputs, while the rapid depreciation of the Syrian pound eroded consumer purchasing power, reducing domestic demand for fresh grapes.

The market began to recover from 2022, increasing by 9% that year and a further 2% in 2023 to reach 233 thousand tons. This turnaround was supported by a more stable military control map across the country, which provided a baseline for agricultural operations. In 2023, a relative improvement in weather conditions contributed to better harvests, despite ongoing economic challenges.

Production fresh grapes in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

In 2018, Syria's fresh grape production reached its lowest point at 223.4 thousand tons, marking a significant decline of 6.7%. The following year saw a sharp recovery, with production peaking at 252.0 thousand tons in 2019, representing a substantial increase of 12.8%. By 2020, production had slightly decreased to 243.3 thousand tons, reflecting a modest year-over-year loss of 3.4%.

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

Exports fresh grapes from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Syria's fresh grape exports experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest level at 640 tons, with a sharp decline of 44.3%. The following year saw a dramatic rebound, with exports surging by 119.3%. By 2020, exports reached their peak at 1 934 tons, showing a significant increase of 37.7% compared to the previous year, resulting in a threefold swing between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Former Sudan, and Oman dominated Syria's fresh grape exports in volume terms. Saudi Arabia accounted for 35.5% of exports, followed closely by Former Sudan at 35.0%, and Oman at 8.9%. Together, these three markets represented 79.4% of Syria's total fresh grape export flows during this period.

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

Syria's fresh grape export revenues showed considerable volatility. In 2018, export value bottomed out at 499 thousand US dollars, declining by 28.3%. The following year saw a remarkable turnaround, with export value peaking at 1 303 thousand US dollars in 2019, reflecting a substantial increase of 161.5%. By 2020, export value had decreased to 941 thousand US dollars, down 27.8% year-over-year, resulting in a 2.6-fold variation between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Former Sudan, and Kuwait were the primary destinations for Syria's fresh grape exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia led with 39.0% of export value, followed by Former Sudan at 30.4%, and Kuwait at 7.7%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 77.1% of Syria's total fresh grape export revenues during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Syria's fresh grape imports displayed significant volatility. In 2017, import volumes were at their lowest point. The following year saw a dramatic increase of 247.0%, leading to a peak of 8 658 tons in 2019. By 2020, imports had sharply declined to 3 097 tons, representing a steep year-over-year reduction of 64.2%. Overall, import volumes varied 7.7 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria's fresh grape imports in volume terms were overwhelmingly dominated by Turkey, which accounted for 98.1% of total import flows during this period.

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

Syria's fresh grape import expenditures exhibited notable fluctuations. In 2017, import value reached its lowest level. The following year saw a significant increase of 150.1%, culminating in a peak of 1 918 thousand US dollars in 2019. By 2020, import value had decreased to 1 044 thousand US dollars, down 45.6% compared to the previous year. This resulted in a 4.5-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria's fresh grape imports in value terms were almost entirely dependent on Turkey, which represented 91.5% of total import expenditures during this timeframe.

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

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