10.02.2025 17:43
The shipments of new and used vehicles to Syria have recently reached record levels. This situation is considered an important development both economically and politically. These shipments to Syria are seen as a factor that will directly affect the region's economic situation and the trade relations with Syria.
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After the fall of the Baath regime, the trade of second-hand and new vehicles gained momentum with transit passage from many European countries, especially South Korea, to Syria. While the total number of shipments was around 40-50 thousand in 2012, it exceeded 150 thousand in the last month of the interim government's term.
The trade of second-hand and new vehicles from South Korea and many European countries to Syria was largely restricted due to the civil war that flared up in 2013. After the fall of the Baath regime, trade regained momentum. The transportation of second-hand and new vehicles carried out under transit transportation through Turkey is conducted with special permission obtained from the Ministry of Trade. Vehicles arriving at Mersin Port by sea are transferred to the Syrian side after processing at the Cilvegözü Customs Gate in Reyhanlı, Hatay, using car trailers.
Ahmet Arslan, an official from the logistics company carrying out the transportation, stated, "The arrival of these types of vehicles started in 2012. It was banned in 2013 due to security reasons because of the civil war in Syria. With the special permission granted by the Ministry of Trade to some companies in 2022, shipments have resumed in a limited manner. Due to transit trade, Turkish companies do not have a direct initiative in this trade. Only logistical support services are provided to Syrian traders. Vehicles arriving by ships from abroad ensure revenue for the ports of Mersin and İskenderun. Additionally, as the growing car towing sector in our region develops, there is certainly a return since these vehicles are only transported by car towing. There is revenue due to agencies and unloading operations per container at the ports, so the transportation sector also benefits greatly from this transit trade," he said.
"IT USED TO GO ONLY TO IDLIB, NOW IT GOES TO ALL OF SYRIA" Arslan emphasized that during the limited transfer period, vehicles previously only went to Idlib, but since the beginning of January, they have started to go to all of Syria, especially after the liberation of Syria, stating, "Currently, trade is being conducted transit through our country, but in the future, it will start to go to the ports of Syria as well. At that time, it will not come to Turkey. In addition to second-hand vehicles, new vehicles are also being sent. Various vehicles are requested and shipped, ranging from passenger cars to trucks and tractors. We believe that the demand will continue to increase day by day. There was a significant increase in January of this year. In 2012, an annual total of 40-50 thousand vehicles were sent. Once the ban was lifted, 150 thousand vehicles have been sent from January until now," he said.
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