Syria as a Transit Corridor: Turkish-Syrian Trade Reaches 3.75 Billion Dollars

Trade Figures

The volume of trade between Turkey and Syria reached 3.75 billion dollars in 2025, a 45 percent increase over the previous year, according to figures announced by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. In the first half of 2026, Turkish exports to Syria totalled 1.28 billion dollars, representing growth of approximately 26 percent compared with the same period in the prior year, based on Turkish trade data.

Both countries have set a shared target of raising bilateral trade to 10 billion dollars, making the development of logistics infrastructure and border crossings a practical priority.

Border Crossing Network

The Turkish-Syrian border currently has six active crossings, with preparations under way to open the Nusaybin/Qamishli crossing. Diversifying entry points is considered important for reducing pressure on the busiest crossings and ensuring continuity of commercial traffic.

The Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salameh crossings operate around the clock, alongside the Nassib crossing with Jordan and the Jdeidet Yabous crossing with Lebanon, forming an initial network capable of linking the Turkish border to Arab markets. The Al-Rai crossing alone has handled more than 40,000 commercial trucks carrying approximately one million tonnes of goods in both directions since the start of the year.

Crossing Expansion Plans

The director-general of the Syrian General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, Qutayba Badawi, outlined a plan to expand Bab al-Hawa within three months to increase its capacity for trade and transit traffic. The customs authority is also accelerating its procedures through modern equipment introduced at the crossings, aiming to balance rigorous inspection with the smooth flow of goods.

Syria as a Regional Transit Route

Syria's geographic position gives it a value that extends beyond bilateral trade with Turkey. Transit through the northern crossings and Syrian road network toward Jordan opens a land route to Gulf states, offering Turkish and European exporters an additional option for reaching Arab markets.

Deniz Istikbal, an economics professor at Medipol University, stated that Turkey needs Syria as a "key gateway and transit corridor" toward the Middle East and the Gulf, benefiting from geographic proximity and shared borders. He also stated that the energy sector, particularly electricity and natural gas, would be among the most prominent areas of economic cooperation between the two countries, alongside road, school, and hospital projects.

Requirements for a Functional Corridor

The return of truck traffic does not mean the route is fully ready to resume its previous role. Converting this potential into a reliable corridor requires:

• Raising the efficiency of crossings and simplifying customs procedures
• Rehabilitating roads and providing stable logistics services
• Securing adequate energy supplies to operate border facilities and warehouses
• Concluding clear operational agreements that guarantee transit speed and competitive costs

These requirements form part of a broader set of ambitions, including concepts such as the "Four Seas" project, which still requires investment, infrastructure, and cross-border agreements before it can become a fully integrated trade and energy corridor.