Second cargo ship reaches Tartus: Syria's import hub strengthened!

Second cargo ship reaches Tartus: Syria's import hub strengthened!

A second cargo ship recently arrived at the port of Tartus without stopping in Turkey or Lebanon. The ship is carrying over 36,000 tonnes of corn and Argentine soybean meal, seen as a significant step towards increasing direct imports to Syria. The import is carried out by the American company Bunge and is intended to secure the local market's need for raw materials. Mazen Aloush, Director of Relations at the General Directorate of Land and Sea Ports, commented positively on this import, which aims to reduce dependence on intermediate ports. These developments are supported by the general drive to promote direct trade relations to ensure security of supply in the country.

At the same time, Syria officially ended a 49-year investment deal with Russia related to the port of Tartus. This decision was announced on January 19 by the Tartus Customs Authority. The disruption of this long-standing agreement comes at a time when the Syrian government is regaining control of the port and ensuring that all revenue from port operations is now redirected to benefit the Syrian state. The contract, signed in 2019, called for Russia to make a minimum investment of $500 million to develop the port. However, these commitments have reportedly not been fulfilled.

Realignment of the port administration

Tartus Customs Director Riyad Joudi has also confirmed that the port has been underutilized due to regulatory restrictions and high service fees. The new Syrian interim government is working on restructuring operations to increase efficiency, which will affect several ministries, including the ministries of transport and foreign trade. Measures are also being taken to rehabilitate the port's infrastructure and streamline operations.

As part of this restructuring, significant reductions in customs duties will be introduced. For example, fees for select materials were reduced by 60% to increase the port's competitiveness with neighboring facilities. At the same time, high tariffs are maintained only for certain goods in order to protect domestic industries.

Improvement of port operations

Additionally, the administration has revised current import restrictions, meaning previously banned goods such as electrical appliances are now permitted. However, specific bans remain in place to support local production. Joudi reported an improvement in port traffic, with both Syrian and international ships transporting goods such as iron, carbonates and sugar.

Until the reorganization, the port of Tartus played a central role in Russia's military and geopolitical strategy. It was the country's only naval hub outside the former Soviet Union, used not only for military interventions in Syria, but also for Wagner Group operations in Africa. Given the geopolitical changes brought about by the termination of the Russian treaty, the port of Tartus could play an increased role in regional trade and supplies to Syria in the future.