Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable paste (canned/aseptic)
Industry PositionProcessed Food Ingredient
Market
Tomato paste in Syria is a staple shelf-stable cooking ingredient supplied by a mix of domestic processors and imports from neighboring countries. Trade data show Turkey exporting HS 200290 (tomatoes preserved, incl. tomato paste/concentrates) to Syria in 2023, indicating material import reliance alongside local production. Domestic production is present, with Syrian food manufacturers (e.g., Sabbagh & Partners) listing tomato paste among their product lines and brands. Market continuity and trade execution remain highly sensitive to sanctions-compliance frictions (despite 2025 sanctions changes) and to ongoing security and infrastructure disruptions affecting operations and distribution.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic processing
Domestic RoleWidely consumed cooking ingredient; locally produced and imported for retail and foodservice use
Risks
Sanctions Compliance HighSyria-linked tomato paste trade can still be blocked or severely delayed by residual targeted sanctions/designations, bank de-risking, and compliance screening—even after broad sanctions changes in 2025 (U.S. Syria Sanctions Program termination effective July 1, 2025; EU lifting of economic restrictive measures with security-ground exceptions).Run counterparty and beneficial-owner screening, document end-use/end-user, pre-clear payments with banks, and obtain specialized legal/compliance review for any U.S./EU nexus.
Security HighRenewed hostilities and impacts on essential civilian infrastructure can disrupt factory operations, trucking corridors, and domestic distribution availability in parts of Syria.Dual-source across suppliers/routes, monitor security advisories, and hold buffer inventory for critical SKUs.
Logistics MediumBorder procedures, route interruptions, fuel constraints, and insurance/haulage premiums can create lead-time volatility and landed-cost spikes for imported tomato paste (including regional road-supplied volumes).Build schedule slack, use contingency routes/forwarders, and align incoterms to control risk points.
Water MediumWater infrastructure damage and water scarcity can constrain tomato cultivation and processing throughput, increasing supply variability and price volatility for tomato paste.Assess supplier water resilience (irrigation access, storage, contingency plans) and diversify sourcing origins.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and damaged water/wastewater infrastructure affecting agricultural and food-processing operations
Labor & Social- Conflict-affected operating environment elevating worker safety and security risks across production and distribution
- Heightened vulnerability risks in displaced and crisis-affected populations relevant to responsible recruitment and labor practices
FAQ
What defines “tomato paste” versus “tomato puree” in international standards?Codex CXS 57-1981 defines “tomato paste” as processed tomato concentrate with at least 24% natural total soluble solids (measured without added salt). “Tomato puree” is defined as processed tomato concentrate with no less than 7% but less than 24% natural total soluble solids.
Is Syria mainly importing tomato paste or producing it domestically?Both channels are present. Trade data show Turkey exporting HS 200290 (tomatoes preserved, including tomato paste/concentrates) to Syria in 2023, indicating meaningful imports, while Syrian producers such as Sabbagh & Partners also list tomato paste among their domestically distributed branded products.
What is the single biggest trade blocker risk for tomato paste transactions involving Syria?Sanctions-compliance friction is the most critical blocker: even with broad sanctions changes in 2025, residual targeted listings and bank de-risking can still freeze payments or stop shipments if counterparties or related parties are designated or if compliance documentation is insufficient.