Before the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, Syria’s trade with Iraq alone was valued at $3 billion. By 2016, Syria’s total exports to the world had fallen to $700 million from $12 billion in 2011. According to the latest Syrian government figures, Iraq receives 15% of Syrian exports, worth $100 million, and remains the country’s fourth-largest trading partner. These exports include agricultural produce, foodstuffs, cosmetics, medication and textiles. Syrian exports to Iraq, however, remain a mere drop in the bucket when compared to Iraq’s annual imports, which are worth $30 billion. These weak figures can be attributed to the continued closure or non-access to the three official border crossings. While Al-Qaim is firmly shut, the Yarubyia (Rabia) crossing to the north is controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, and the southernmost crossing Al-Walid (Tanf) is held by the Syrian opposition factions – in both cases backed by the US military. With overland travel unavailable, Syrian goods have to be shipped on airplanes traveling between Damascus and the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Najaf in the south. Air transport is costly and can only carry a fraction of potential Syrian exports to Iraq. The resumption of overland trade would help Iraq diversify its exports, access Syria’s Mediterranean ports and furnish its markets with premium Syrian goods – namely agricultural products.
Fadi Esber, 'Syria-Iraq trade stymied by US border presence', Asia Times
