In Road Export Transportation, Syria Surpasses Germany

Syria on the Rise in Export Transportation: Trip Numbers and Route Shifts Draw Attention
In the first quarter of 2025, road export shipments from Türkiye to Syria showed a marked acceleration. According to sector data, trips on the Syrian route increased by about 60% compared to the same period last year, making Syria one of the countries with the highest volume of road export traffic. With this surge, Syria has overtaken some traditional European routes, emerging as a prominent market.
In April, the pace rose even further. While the daily average number of trips to Syria hovered around 350 in the first quarter, reports indicate that on some days in April this figure reached as high as 600. For international carriers facing shrinking demand and cost pressures in the European market, the Syrian route has gained greater importance.
Looking at the overall picture, international road exports from Türkiye showed limited growth in the first quarter, with much of the increase stemming from Syrian traffic. Excluding Syria, total export shipments appear more stagnant.
A notable change is also seen in vehicle distribution. In recent years, foreign vehicles had been increasing their share due to visa and transit permit issues. However, with route shifts, this trend has partially reversed. In the first quarter, exports carried by Turkish-registered vehicles increased, while shipments with foreign vehicles saw a slight decline.
Customs duties and practices also influenced fluctuations on the Syrian route. High import duty hikes slowed shipments during the period, but subsequent adjustments and negotiations helped regain momentum. The cargo mainly consisted of construction materials and food products.
Most shipments to Syria proceed via a border transfer model due to security and operational conditions. In this model, goods are transported to the border and then handed over to local carriers to complete the process. Looking ahead, if bilateral and transit transport operations expand further, the number of trips is expected to rise even more.