In our latest issue in Syria in Figures, we covered Syria-China economic relations following Assad’s downfall:
– China’s approach in 2025 is “asset-light,” favoring management contracts and trade over large-scale state-led reconstruction or infrastructure loans. Total Chinese exports to Syria reached $668.1 million in 2025, surging in Q4, but remain well below 2010 levels of $2.4 billion.
– Imports are dominated by consumer goods (tires, fabrics, TVs) rather than heavy construction materials, though some niche solar equipment imports occurred.
– Private Chinese firms are driving investment via management contracts (e.g., industrial zones in Hessia and Adra) rather than capital-intensive projects.
– Beijing pledged only ~$52 million in aid, a negligible amount compared to Syria’s needs.
– Major constraints include Syria’s poor fiscal standing, aversion to external debt, and ongoing security risks relating to the status of Central Asian fighters, leading China to abstain from certain UN votes regarding Syrian leadership.