Syria’s new cargo mandate risks choking regional trade corridors. The Syrian government implemented a new decree earlier this month banning foreign trucks –– including those from its key trade partners Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq –– from entering the country to deliver cargo. Under the new back-to-back arrangement, foreign hauliers must offload goods at border crossings onto Syrian-registered trucks. The move — intended to revive Syria’s domestic transport fleet — came amid protests by local truckers against foreign hauliers.

Why does it matter?

It will cost operators — big time. Regional operators and exporters — who upped their trade with Syria since US sanctions were removed — could face immediate cost spikes and operational risks.

Case in point: Shipping rates have doubled for cargo originating in Jordan and increased by 70% for goods from Turkey and Lebanon. In Jordan, the cost of moving a single container across the border has jumped by USD 1k. Syria’s border crossings are not equipped for large-scale transfers — leading to delivery delays of up to two weeks.

Shippers are raising alarms over the reliability of the Syrian fleet — which consists largely of vehicles 30 to 40 years old and is often operated by independent drivers rather than registered firms. This creates significant liability concerns for high-value cargo.

What’s next?

Regional trade bodies are pushing for exemptions. Until then, the friction threatens a burgeoning trade recovery. A Jordanian business delegation recently visited Damascus to lobby for a reversal, but Syrian officials appear to be digging in. However, Lebanon secured a temporary week-long exemption for freight vehicles carrying certain goods — allowing them to unload and reload in a Syrian customs zone.

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