Russian and Syrian agricultural officials are actively negotiating to re-establish a steady flow of wheat exports from Russia to the Arab Republic. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maxim Markovich met with Syria’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Maher Khalil al-Hassan, to discuss “ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in concluding agreements on the supply of Russian wheat to Syria.” This diplomatic push follows a period of disruption after a change of power in Damascus in late 2024, which had halted what was once a significant trade route.
Prior to the political shift, Syria was a major destination for Russian grain. As noted by Dmitry Trifonov, head of STG Engineering, his company alone supplied approximately 1.1 million tons of wheat to Syria over three years, representing about half of all Russian grain imports to the country. Trade ceased abruptly but showed tentative signs of restarting with a one-off shipment of 6.6 thousand tons delivered to Latakia in April. The current talks signal a move beyond such sporadic deliveries toward a structured, long-term agreement, reflecting Syria’s continued reliance on imported wheat for food security. This dynamic is critical; according to the FAO’s 2025 Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, countries facing internal instability often experience severe food import shortages, making the restoration of reliable supplier relationships a top government priority.
The negotiations also occur within a broader context of Russia’s strategic use of agricultural exports. As highlighted by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in October, Damascus is interested in a package of Russian goods, including “wheat, food, [and] medicines.” This aligns with findings from the Chatham House 2024 report The Weaponization of Grain, which details how major grain-exporting nations can leverage food supplies to foster political alliances and gain strategic influence in geopolitically sensitive regions. Restoring this corridor serves dual purposes: providing Russia with a stable, albeit relatively small, export outlet (especially valuable amid fluctuating global demand) and offering critical support to Syria’s new transitional government.
The revival of the Russia-Syria wheat trade is more than a simple commercial deal; it is an exercise in economic statecraft and supply chain resilience. For Russian agribusiness and exporters, it represents the reopening of a familiar, strategically important market that requires navigating a new political reality. For Syria, it is a vital step toward stabilizing its food supply. The outcome of these talks will test the ability of agricultural trade to adapt swiftly to geopolitical upheaval and serve as a foundational element of renewed bilateral partnership. It underscores that in volatile regions, secure food corridors are as much a diplomatic achievement as a logistical one.
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