Syrian ports have seen a massive increase in traceable vessel calls, quadrupling after the US and EU lifted sanctions earlier this year. According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data, there were 92 traceable calls to the ports of Banias, Tartous, and Lattakia in July 2025, a 338% increase from 21 calls in July 2024. In tonnage terms, this represents a jump from 300,000 dwt to 1.1 million dwt. This surge is attributed to the recent change in leadership and new open trade policies, coupled with the lifting of major sanctions.
Factors Driving the Surge
The recent political changes in Syria have played a crucial role in this increase in maritime activity. Key factors include:
- Lifting of Sanctions: The EU removed some restrictions in May, followed by the US lifting its sanctions in late June. This has eased legal and financial hurdles for non-designated cargo, allowing for more transparent trade.
- Open Trade Policy: The new Syrian authorities have adopted more open trade policies, especially for imports, which has spurred a surge in commercial activity.
- Reconstruction Efforts: With reconstruction efforts likely underway, there is a heightened demand for imported materials, which is expected to sustain elevated port activity.
- Increased Trust: New contracts and investments, such as those with CMA CGM and DP World, are growing trust in Syria’s maritime sector, despite tangible improvements not yet being visible.
Types of Cargo and Trade Partners
While general cargo ships still dominate arrivals, there has been a notable uptick in bulk carriers and containership calls. The surge in ship traffic is partly due to a rise in imports of consumer goods, particularly used cars, with the first traceable arrival of a vehicle carrier in at least two years recorded in April.
Historically, Syria’s core trading partners have been Lebanon, Türkiye, and Egypt. While these countries remain the primary sources of maritime traffic, there’s been a diversification of origins. There’s a notable uptick in arrivals from European countries like Spain and Italy, which have not had maritime trade with Syria for several years.
The Persistence of “Shadow Trade”
Despite the increase in transparent trade, a “shadow trade” persists. At least 25 dark port calls (vessels with their Automatic Identification System, or AIS, turned off) were recorded in June and July. Operators continue to face residual sanctions exposure and compliance risks, which encourages some trade flows to remain unreported. Experts predict a two-track pattern will continue in the near term: more transparent movements of low-risk cargo alongside a persistent shadow trade in higher-risk goods.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
