Potato market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh potatoes in Syria peaked at over 712,000 tons in 2019 before entering a period of sustained contraction, falling to approximately 561,000 tons by 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in imports, which plummeted from over 107,000 tons in 2022 to just 9,400 tons in 2023, coupled with a steady rise in exports over the same period.

Domestic production showed resilience, reaching 620,000 tons in 2023. However, this high output could not offset the market's overall shrinkage due to the dramatic fall in imports and increased shipments abroad. Retail prices during this time were reported to be volatile, ranging between 5,000 and 6,000 Syrian pounds per kilogram, influenced by local market conditions.

In 2024, the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture issued a ban on potato imports, citing a sufficient domestic production surplus for the 2024-2025 season. This regulatory measure was accompanied by a national project to expand local production of high-quality potato seeds, aiming to reduce import dependency and strengthen food security. Market prices remained sensitive to factors such as exchange rates and fuel costs.

Production potato in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Syria's potato production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Syria produced 647.3 K t of potatoes, marking a 1.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 562.3 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 0.0% change, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 13.0%.

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

Exports potato from Syria

Exports in kind, K t

Syria's cross-border potato shipments have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Syria exported 56.4 K t of potatoes, reflecting a sharp increase of 81.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 6 490.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 303.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Syria's potato exports in kind were the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Together, they accounted for 80.3% of total 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

Potato shipments from Syria to abroad have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 14 009 K $ US, showing a notable increase of 18.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 4 234.2%, with an annualized rate of 251.3%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, the main buyers of Syrian potatoes in value terms were Kuwait (33.2% of exports), the United Arab Emirates (31.3% of exports), and Saudi Arabia (15.6% of exports). Together, these three countries comprised 80.1% 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 potato to Syria

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, foreign potato supplies to Syria amounted to 77.5 K t, down by 28.1% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 107.8 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 18.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Turkey and the Netherlands were the dominant suppliers of potatoes to Syria in kind, together accounting for 81.7% of total imports. Other partners played a less significant role in the import structure.

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 market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes varied 2.4 times from the low in 2018 to the high in 2019. In 2020, potato deliveries to Syria stood at 29 639 K $ US, down by 25.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 16 450 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 39 924 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 31.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 142.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, the main sources of potato imports to Syria in value terms were the Netherlands (44.5% of imports), Turkey (29.2% of imports), and Egypt (19.9% of imports). Together, these three countries accounted for 93.6% 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