Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh peaches in Syria are produced within the country’s broader stone-fruit sector, with orchards present across key producing governorates identified in plant-health surveys as major stone-fruit areas. UN Comtrade-based trade statistics (World Bank WITS) show Syria exported fresh peaches/nectarines (HS 080930) in 2022 primarily to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Kuwait, and Bahrain, indicating a regional export outlet alongside domestic marketing. Commercial reliability for this trade pair is heavily shaped by conflict-related damage to infrastructure and irrigation systems and by broader trade frictions noted in World Bank assessments. Although the EU lifted most economic sanctions in May 2025, targeted restrictions and listed-person/entity compliance requirements remain relevant and can still complicate counterparties and payments for some operators.
Market RoleDomestic producer with a regional export niche
Specification
Physical Attributes- International trade quality references commonly use UNECE FFV-26 minimum requirements (e.g., intact, sound, clean; sufficiently developed/ripe to withstand transport).
Grades- UNECE FFV-26 "Extra" Class
- UNECE FFV-26 Class I
- UNECE FFV-26 Class II
Packaging- UNECE FFV-26 packaging/uniformity principles are commonly referenced (uniform origin/variety/quality/size within packages; packaging that protects produce; clean, non-damaging materials).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest → sorting/grading → packing → refrigerated transport to regional destination → border clearance → importer distribution
Temperature- Cold-chain discipline is a key practical requirement for fresh peaches given rapid softening and spoilage risk during transport and border delays.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighTrade execution can be blocked or severely delayed by conflict-related disruptions (damaged infrastructure and irrigation systems affecting supply reliability) and by sanctions/counterparty-screening and payment frictions; while the EU lifted most economic sanctions in May 2025, targeted restrictions and listings remain and can still affect counterparties and banks.Run enhanced counterparty and beneficial-ownership screening; confirm bank/payment pathways before shipment; build delivery buffers for route disruptions and border delays.
Phytosanitary MediumStone-fruit pathogens have been detected in Syria in formal surveys (including quarantine-relevant agents such as Plum pox virus reported in stone fruit), which can trigger importing-country NPPO scrutiny or additional phytosanitary conditions for peaches/nectarines.Align export program to destination NPPO import conditions; strengthen orchard monitoring and documentation; ensure phytosanitary certification is complete and consistent with destination requirements.
Logistics MediumFresh peaches are highly time- and temperature-sensitive; delays at internal checkpoints or borders and cold-chain breaks can cause rapid quality deterioration, leading to claims, price discounts, or rejection.Use reefer-capable logistics with temperature logging; plan fastest routings and prioritize pre-clearance/document readiness to minimize dwell times.
Documentation Gap LowPublic trade statistics (UN Comtrade-based WITS) are reported/mirror datasets and may not fully capture informal trade flows or all routing patterns, which can complicate market sizing and buyer targeting.Validate route-level demand and season programs with destination wholesalers/importers and on-the-ground logistics providers rather than relying on a single dataset.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and conflict-damaged water/wastewater infrastructure increase climate and operational vulnerability for irrigated agriculture and post-harvest hygiene conditions.
Labor & Social- Sanctions and counterparty screening (listed individuals/entities) remains relevant even after broad EU economic sanctions were lifted; buyers may require enhanced due diligence and payment/beneficial-owner transparency.
FAQ
Which HS code is typically used for fresh peaches (including nectarines) in trade statistics?HS 080930 is the 6-digit HS subheading for “peaches, including nectarines, fresh,” as shown in the UN Statistics Division HS classification detail.
Which countries were the main reported importers of Syria-origin fresh peaches/nectarines in 2022?In the UN Comtrade-based World Bank WITS partner table for HS 080930 (2022), the top listed importers from Syria were Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Kuwait, and Bahrain (with smaller listed quantities to the UAE and Lebanon).
What phytosanitary document is commonly associated with exporting fresh peaches internationally?A phytosanitary certificate is commonly used for fresh fruit shipments to demonstrate compliance with the importing country’s plant-health requirements, and IPPC ISPM 12 provides guidance on how such certificates are prepared and issued by national plant protection organizations.