Plums and sloes market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Syrian plum and sloe market volume contracted sharply from 28 391 t to 13 314 t, a decline of over 50%. This collapse was driven by a severe economic crisis that crippled the agricultural sector. Monetary policies led to a steep devaluation of the Syrian pound, which drastically reduced consumer purchasing power and hindered import and export operations, directly curtailing the availability and consumption of fruits including plums.

A partial recovery occurred in 2022, with the market volume rising to 19 232 t, though it remained well below pre-crisis levels. This rebound was followed by another decrease to 17 857 t in 2023, reflecting ongoing market instability. Export volumes fluctuated significantly throughout the period, indicating persistent challenges in external trade.

By 2024, the deterioration of Syria's agricultural sector continued, characterized by dwindling central bank foreign currency reserves and a halt in export activity, which adversely affected plum production and marketing. A broader state policy shift toward private investment in certain sectors added further uncertainty for agriculture.

Production plums and sloes in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

Syria's production of plums and sloes has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 25,888 tonnes, marking a 3.4% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 14.3% reduction, while 2018 saw no change, with production remaining stable.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Syria's exports of plums and sloes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 8,162 tonnes, showing a modest rise of 2.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 141.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 34.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt was the primary market for Syria's plums and sloes exports in volume terms, accounting for 71.9% of total shipments. The remaining volume was distributed among various other destinations.

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 plums and sloes exports have grown for the third year in a row in value terms. In 2020, exports amounted to 11,733 thousand US dollars, up by 65.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 189.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 42.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the leading buyer of plums and sloes from Syria in value terms, representing 87.8% of total exports. Other trading partners held relatively smaller shares.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Syria

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Syria's imports of plums and sloes declined. In 2020, imports totaled 374 tonnes, a sharp decrease of 55.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 33.6%, averaging an annual decline of 12.8%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 833 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 34.1% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, Syria's imports of plums and sloes in volume terms were heavily reliant on Turkey, which supplied 98.6% of the total.

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

In 2020, Syria's imports of plums and sloes in value terms amounted to 141 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 23.5% reduction from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 8.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 137 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 185 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 34.4% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Syria's imports in value terms were predominantly focused on Turkey, which accounted for 94.4% of total flows.

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

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