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New Customs Tariff Raising Prices of Goods Sparks Controversy
The significant increase in customs tariffs on imported goods through border crossings in northern Syria has led to what has been described as a "mad" rise in prices for food items, essential supplies, and various imported goods. As a result, many commercial companies and wholesale stores suspended all their activities on Saturday until further notice.
Observers have estimated that the increase in customs tariffs ranges between 100% to 500% of the price of the goods, with variations based on the type of goods.
Here is a list of the customs tariffs for "one ton" of prominent market items before and after the new decisions:
- Bulgur: from $10 to $50
- Rice: from $10 to $50
- Sugar: from $10 to $50
- Lighters: from $50 to $1000
- Flour: from $2 to $20
- Ghee: from $10 to $110
- Sunflower oil: from $10 to $85
- Mortadella: from $50 to $500
- Diapers: from $50 to $500
In this context, Mazen Aloush, Director of Relations at the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, stated that "the customs fee schedule aims to protect local products by encouraging industry through reduced fees on raw materials." He added that "the new schedule seeks to support the industrial sector and attract investments by offering exemptions, contributing to raising the living standards of citizens and supporting both the industrial and agricultural sectors."
On the other hand, economic researcher Hayan Hababa commented that the customs tariffs will have a negative impact solely on the residents of northern Syria, unlike the other Syrian provinces where this decision has helped reduce prices. He pointed out that this could lead to economic contraction and inflation in the markets, a trend evident today in the closure of stores and commercial companies in the town of Sarmada in Idlib countryside.
Hababa further stated to "Syria TV": "The state treasury is in a very precarious position, as all resources, such as oil wealth, are still outside the treasury, in addition to the halt of export operations. Likewise, neither livestock nor agricultural resources are providing any notable revenue. Therefore, how will the new Syrian administration cover its expenses? The state is forced to rely on taxes as the primary source of revenue, otherwise, it will be at risk of collapse."
He explained that "the new decisions were mistaken by including essential and necessary items for people's lives. These items should have been exempt from the new customs tariffs and restricted to industrial, commercial, and luxury goods."
He concluded by saying: "These tariffs aim to unify prices across all Syrian regions, and I propose modifying them to exempt essential goods so that they align with various social groups, particularly the residents of displacement camps, while simultaneously forming monitoring committees to oversee prices in the markets and prevent monopolies and price manipulation among traders."
