Damascus, Jan. 3 (SANA) The Syrian phosphate is considered one of the country’s most important natural resources and today appears as a key pillar to support the national economy during the reconstruction phase, after more than a decade of war and destruction.
Syria’s phosphate reserves are estimated at between 1.8 and 2.1 billion tons, placing the country among the top five worldwide in terms of phosphate reserves.
The importance of phosphate for the Syrian economy
Phosphate forms the basis of the production of phosphate fertilisers, which are essential for global agriculture, as phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plant growth and for improving agricultural yields.
Phosphate ore is also used in many chemical industries, notably in the manufacture of phosphoric acid and various industrial compounds.
Before the outbreak of the revolution in 2011, phosphate was among Syria’s main sources of foreign currency. Annual production at that time reached about 3.5 to 3.6 million tons, most of which was destined for export, generating significant revenues for the State.
The situation after the war and the resumption of production
The phosphate sector experienced a sharp decline with the beginning of the revolution, with production dropping to less than 1.5 million tons per year in some years, due to the destruction of infrastructure and the shutdown of factories.
At the end of 2025, the Syrian authorities announced the recommissioning of a major phosphate washing and drying plant in the Al-Charqiya mines, in the Homs governorate, after ten years of shutdown.
This facility has an annual production capacity of about 1.2 million tons, marking an important step toward reviving the sector and returning it to international markets.
The uses of phosphate are multiple, notably:
- Agriculture: an essential component of phosphate fertilizers, contributing to global food security.
- Chemical industries: manufacture of phosphoric acid and products used in the agri-food industry, detergents, and mining processes.
- Global markets: global demand for phosphate remains high and is expected to continue to grow with rising food needs.
The importance of developing Syrian ports
The development of Syrian ports, particularly those of Tartous and Latakia, constitutes a major strategic issue for increasing the country’s export capacities. Ports are not merely loading points, but real logistics platforms linking domestic production to international markets.
Modernizing port infrastructure, railway and road transport networks, as well as storage and processing facilities, would reduce transport costs, improve the competitiveness of Syrian phosphate, and attract foreign investment.
Deposed regime monopoly and economic alliances
In recent years, the Syrian phosphate sector has been placed under the near-exclusive control of companies linked to the deposed regime, which, according to economic analysts, together with international sanctions, has contributed to lower real benefits for the Syrian economy, hindered the introduction of modern technologies, and prevented the emergence of transparent and equitable partnerships.
Phosphate in the reconstruction phase
In the context of reconstruction, phosphate represents one of the most important natural resources for financing economic recovery. Revenues from its exploitation could be directed toward:
- infrastructure development,
- support for the agricultural and industrial sectors,
- strengthening food security,
- support for the State budget,
- the creation of sustainable jobs for Syrian youth.
However, the success of this strategy depends on the establishment of transparent governance, the introduction of modern technologies, and an investment and export policy that ensures this wealth serves above all the interests of the Syrian people.
Syrian phosphate constitutes a true national wealth, carrying considerable potential to support the country’s economy in the reconstruction phase.
Despite the importance of the reserves, production remains below its pre-war level. The return of Syrian phosphate to a central role requires deep structural reforms, the development of logistics and port infrastructure, as well as fair and transparent management of this strategic resource, so that it genuinely contributes to the reconstruction and economic stability of Syria.
MHD
