Customs duties imposed on Turkey by the new administration in Syria benefit the terrorist organization PYD: Trade route has shifted

Turkish firms, experiencing major difficulties in exports due to Syria's increase in customs duties, are seeking solutions through alternative routes.

Turkish products are being transported to areas under PYD control via the Habur Border Gate and then moved into Syria. However, this method has become a subject of criticism due to its security and political dimensions.

TRADE HAD CONCENTRATED IN AREAS UNDER PYD CONTROL

Turkish trucks cross into Iraq through the Habur Border Gate and load goods onto Syrian trucks in areas under PYD control. Although this route is preferred to bypass high customs duties, it brings discussions about cost advantages along with it.

Kilis Chamber of Industry and Commerce President Hacı Mustafa Celkanlı drew attention to this situation, stating, "While the cost of a truck going directly from Turkey to Syria is at the level of 60 thousand dollars, the transit through Habur to Iraq and PYD-controlled areas drops to 10 thousand dollars. This situation forces the exporter to make a forced choice."

THE DIRECTION OF TRADE HAS CHANGED

The high taxes imposed by the Syrian government have left Turkish exporters in a difficult position. For this reason, many producers prefer to use Habur for exports to Syria.

Celkanlı stated that this route carries risks in terms of both security and economics, saying, "This route needs to be blocked or the taxes need to be lowered. There are currently many trucks waiting at the gates; products at risk of spoilage have been withdrawn by firms. Despite this, cost pressure is directing firms toward areas under PYD control."

Celkanlı said that the customs exemption among Arab League countries also puts Turkish exporters at a disadvantage, adding, "Tax-free trade among Arab countries leaves our products weak in price competition. After the tax increases, the prices we agreed upon lost their validity, and our exports to Syria have almost come to a standstill."

THE BURDEN ON HABUR IS INCREASING

While there is congestion at the Habur Border Gate due to the route change, the shift of trade to areas under the control of the terrorist organization PYD has drawn attention. Exporters, stating that Turkey must produce an urgent solution to this situation, are demanding steps be taken both to lower taxes and to establish a safer trade route.