Latest Developments in the Syrian Car Market (2025)

The Syrian car market in 2025 continues to experience sharp price fluctuations due to high demand and limited supply. New cars are available but at very high prices compared to regional markets. For example:

• Kia Cerato 2025: ~250–300 million SYP
• Hyundai Tucson 2024: ~400–500 million SYP
• Kia Rio 2024: ~220–270 million SYP
• MG ZS 2025 (Chinese): ~230–280 million SYP

Used cars remain the most popular option due to affordability compared to new models. Approximate prices include:

• Hyundai Verna (2007–2010): 95–120 million SYP
• Kia Rio (2012–2015): 130–170 million SYP
• Chevrolet Aveo (2008–2012): 100–140 million SYP
• Kia Cerato (2011–2014): 180–230 million SYP
• Hyundai Elantra (2012–2016): 200–300 million SYP

Most Available or Demanded Types

The most common brands in the Syrian market are Hyundai and Kia, followed by Chinese brands such as MG. Practical vehicles are leading sales, such as the Hyundai HR Truck and H-100 Bus, which were the top sellers in early 2025 . Demand focuses on affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical vehicles.

Electric and Hybrid Cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining attention due to fuel shortages. Registrations of EVs in Syria increased by 110% in 2024, reaching 281 registered EVs compared to 57 in 2023 . Popular models include:

• Skywell ET5 (~$26,500–35,000 globally)
• Avatar EV (~$40,000–60,000 globally)
• BYD Qin Plus EV (~152–190 million SYP in converted prices)
• Volkswagen ID.4 (~237–332 million SYP in Chinese market pricing)
• Tesla Model Y (~$46,630 globally, very limited in Syria)

Government incentives: Decree 240/2024 reduced customs duties on EVs to 10% (locally assembled) and 20% (imported) .

Hybrid cars remain rare, with only 54 officially registered hybrids in Damascus by late 2023 . Toyota hybrids are considered reliable, but their availability is very limited.

Government Decisions and Regulations

Recent regulations in 2024–2025 significantly shaped the market:

• January 2025: Allowed import of passenger cars manufactured from 2011 onward (≤15 years old) .
• New customs tariff system: Fixed-rate duties by model year (instead of percentage-based):
  • Up to 2010: $1,000
  • 2011–2015: $1,500
  • 2016–2020: $2,000
  • 2021 and newer: $2,500
• June 2025: Banned import of used passenger cars (with some exceptions for trucks, heavy machinery, and agricultural equipment). Only new “zero-kilometer” cars (max 2 years old) are allowed .

Key Challenges Facing the Market

• Sanctions and spare parts shortages: Difficulty in importing genuine parts caused prices to rise and increased reliance on counterfeit parts .
• Exchange rate instability: Volatile SYP/USD rates make car imports and pricing unpredictable .
• Limited supply vs. high demand: Supply shortages keep prices high despite new import rules.
• Weak infrastructure: EV adoption is limited by the lack of charging stations and frequent electricity outages.

Summary Table: Customs Duties (2025)

 In short:

• Prices remain extremely high, with limited supply of both new and used cars.
• Hyundai and Kia dominate, while Chinese brands like MG and BYD are gaining ground.
• EVs are slowly growing thanks to customs incentives, but lack of infrastructure is a barrier.
• Government policy shifted to encourage new cars and EVs, while banning used car imports.
• Sanctions, exchange rates, and spare parts shortages continue to weigh heavily on the market.

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