Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The Syrian market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins expanded from 9 556 t in 2018 to 12 128 t in 2020, with domestic production rising from 7 687 t to 10 008 t over the same period. This growth occurred despite the ongoing international sanctions and fuel shortages reported in the country.

From 2021 onward, the market contracted steadily, falling to 11 686 t in 2021 and further to 8 426 t by 2023. The downturn was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global leather supply chains and depressed trade in key regions such as Sudan, where Syrian traders had been active. Sustained sanctions, rising fuel prices, and transport restrictions within Syria further increased production costs and reduced output.

In December 2024, Syria implemented a new tax system and a unified customs tariff, which may alter the cost structure for importing raw hides and exporting processed leather, though full market volume data for 2024 is not available.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Syria's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 10 008 tonnes, which represents a 23.8% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.4%, averaging an annual increase of 6.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 687 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of Syria's raw bovine and equine hides and skins production has also risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 22 713 thousand US dollars, marking a 16.6% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 26.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 044 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 16.5%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 29.5%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Syria showed significant fluctuations during the period. The lowest point was in 2018 at 6 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 66.3%. Exports then peaked in 2020 at 71 tonnes, representing a substantial 245.7% increase from the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was 11.1-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the sole export partner for Syria's raw bovine and equine hides and skins in kind, accounting for 100.0% of total exports.

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 value of Syria's raw bovine and equine hides and skins exports exhibited volatility over the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 69.6%. Exports then reached their peak in 2020 at 160 thousand US dollars, showing a 225.5% increase from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 294.2%. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was 12.8-fold.

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

During 2017–2020, Italy remained the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Syria in value terms, accounting for 100.0% of total exports.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Syria's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 2 191 tonnes, reflecting a moderate 9.0% rise compared to 2019. The lowest import level was in 2018 at 1 875 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 14.7%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Syria's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in kind were entirely dependent on Former Sudan, which accounted for 100.0% of total imports.

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

After a two-year decline, Syria's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms increased in 2020. The import volume amounted to 1 560 thousand US dollars, showing a gain of 4.3% year-on-year. However, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 18.4%, averaging an annual decline of 6.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 495 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 14.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Former Sudan effectively monopolised Syria's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms, taking 100.0% 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