Syrian economist says Turkish competition is squeezing Syrian exports to Iraq

DAMASCUS, Syria — A Syrian economist said Turkish goods are outcompeting Syrian products in the Iraqi market through lower prices, wider distribution networks and stronger working capital, weakening Syria's export position. Mohammed Hallak, head of the Economics Sciences Association at the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, said logistical and technical difficulties have also constrained Syrian exports to Iraq, with transport and crossing procedures at border crossings disrupting the flow of goods. Hallak told local media that the reopening of border crossings between Syria and Iraq has eased trade but has not eliminated the underlying challenges, noting that Iraqi consumer preferences and demand patterns have shifted. He added that falling purchasing power and reduced cash liquidity in the Iraqi market have weakened the business environment compared with previous periods, contributing to a decline in the frequency of trade fairs. He said the absence of a permanent exhibition and marketing network and the failure to maintain continuous availability of Syrian goods in the market have further hurt their standing. Hallak stressed that price remains the decisive factor in consumer purchasing decisions, with affordable products of acceptable quality seeing higher circulation, and that Syrian goods still retain a positive reputation among Iraqi consumers but require stronger support for local producers and lower production and shipping costs.