Market
Dried lentils in Syria are a strategic pulse crop with a long domestic role in household diets and food assistance. Production is concentrated in rainfed northern and northeastern governorates, but conflict, damaged infrastructure and the 2024/25 drought have tightened supply and pushed the market toward import dependence. Recent WITS data shows Syria still exports some lentils regionally, but recent import flows from Canada, Turkey, Egypt and Kyrgyz Republic are larger, so the market should be treated as import-dependent with residual export activity.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with residual export flows
Domestic RoleStaple pulse ingredient in household diets, retail channels and food assistance
Risks
Climate HighFAO says Syria's agriculture is facing one of the worst droughts in nearly 40 years; because lentils are largely rainfed, failed winter rains can sharply reduce supply and push up procurement costs.Spread sourcing across multiple governorates and keep alternate regional supply lines available.
Logistics MediumFuel shortages, checkpoint delays and damaged road links can slow movement from producing areas to border crossings and domestic buyers.Build delivery buffers and use flexible routing through established trader networks.
Regulatory Compliance MediumBroad U.S. Syria sanctions were terminated in June 2025, but EU and UK guidance still leaves targeted restrictive measures and compliance screening in place, so payments and counterparties can face extra checks.Screen all counterparties and confirm bankability before contract signing.
Food Safety MediumBulk dried lentils are vulnerable to moisture, insects and foreign matter; destination markets can hold or reject lots that do not meet clean-consignment rules.Apply pre-shipment cleaning, sealed packaging and lot-level inspection.
Market MediumWeak purchasing power and high food inflation in Syria make demand and procurement budgets sensitive to price swings, especially when imports are needed to cover domestic gaps.Quote with short validity and hedge against FX and transport cost changes.
Sustainability- Severe drought and water stress in rainfed pulse zones
- Landmine contamination, damaged irrigation networks and degraded roads reduce usable farmland
- Conflict and desertification continue to pressure agricultural recovery
Labor & Social- Smallholder farmers remain exposed to conflict displacement, insecure access to fields and weak market access
- Rural incomes are vulnerable to fuel costs, checkpoints and disrupted trade routes
- Food security stress keeps households reliant on assistance and low-priced staples
FAQ
Is Syria a net importer or exporter of dried lentils?Recent WITS data shows Syria imports substantial volumes from Canada, Turkey, Egypt and Kyrgyz Republic, while also exporting some dried lentils to Turkey and nearby markets. It is best treated as an import-dependent market with residual export flows rather than a pure producer-exporter story.
Where are dried lentils mainly produced in Syria?The main production belt is in the north and northeast, especially Hasakah, Idlib, Hama, Aleppo and Daraa. FAO also treats lentils as one of Syria's strategic crops, and current recovery work targets several of these governorates.
What is the main access risk for Syrian lentil supply?The biggest near-term risk is drought. FAO says Syria's agriculture is facing one of the worst droughts in nearly 40 years, and lentils are a rainfed winter crop, so output can fall sharply when winter rains fail.
What documents are commonly checked for export clearance?For destination markets, an import permit and phytosanitary certificate are commonly required. Australia's MICOR entry for lentils from Syria also says shipments must be free of pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.