Syria bans imports of 15 crops for September 2025

Syria is moving to shield its agricultural sector by halting the import of a wide range of fruits and vegetables throughout September 2025. Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar said the measure is designed “to protect local products” and give Syrian farmers greater access to the domestic market.

The ban, outlined in Decision No. 603, covers tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, onions, garlic, lemons, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, apples, grapes, peaches, and figs. It builds on earlier restrictions issued in late July on several agricultural products.

According to the Ministry, the order is rooted in existing legislation, including Legislative Decree No. 60 of 1952 and Presidential Decree No. 9 of March 2025, and was enacted following a request from the Ministry of Agriculture. Relevant Syrian authorities — from border agencies to chambers of commerce — have been instructed to enforce the ban.

In Lebanon, farmers do not expect any fallout from the decision. Ibrahim Tarshishi, president of the National Farmers' Syndicate, told local media that Syria’s market conditions make Lebanese exports to the country limited. “Fruits and vegetables from Syria are already cheaper in Syria, and there is no purchasing power. We mainly export citrus fruit to the neighboring country,” he said.

The suspension forms part of Damascus’s wider strategy to curb imports and prioritise domestic supply, underscoring the government’s push for agricultural self-reliance.

source: today.lorientlejour.com

photo: gardentech.com