Politics / Syria

Challenges Facing the Syrian Ceramic Industry

syria_tv • 2026-04-21T20:40:06Z

Source material: Who is behind the damage to the ceramic industry and other industries in Syria? | Syria Today

Summary

The Syrian ceramic industry faces significant challenges due to high energy costs and reduced customs duties on imports. These factors have led to the closure of many production lines in major factories, severely impacting local manufacturers. Many manufacturers are operating at reduced capacities, with some producing as little as 15% of their potential output. This decline has resulted in widespread job losses and decreased local purchasing power, exacerbating the economic situation. Experts emphasize the urgent need for government intervention to support local industries. Increasing customs duties on imports could help enhance competitiveness and protect domestic production from cheaper foreign goods. The reliance on imported ceramics, which are priced lower than local production, raises sustainability concerns for the domestic industry. A balanced approach is necessary to support local manufacturers while maintaining competitive pricing.

Perspectives

short

Support for Local Industry

Advocates for increasing customs duties on imports to protect local manufacturers
Highlights the urgent need for government intervention to enhance competitiveness

Concerns Over Market Closure

Questions the sustainability of local production against cheaper imports

Neutral / Shared

Notes the significant production decline in the Syrian ceramic industry
Identifies high energy costs as a major factor affecting local manufacturers

Key entities

Companies

Al-Sabia • Nubia

Countries / Locations

Syria

Themes

#current_debate • #ceramic_industry • #economic_challenges • #energy_costs • #government_intervention • #local_production • #syria_ceramics

Timeline highlights

00:00–05:00

The ceramic industry in Syria is significantly impacted by high energy costs and reduced customs duties on imports, leading to the closure of many production lines. A production decline of around 30% in recent years underscores the urgent need for government intervention to support local manufacturers.

The ceramic industry in Syria is facing significant challenges due to high energy costs and lower customs duties on imports, resulting in the closure of many production lines in major factories
Most ceramic manufacturers are operating at reduced capacities, with some producing as little as 15% of their potential output due to various difficulties
While companies like Nubia and Al-Sabia continue to operate, many others have completely ceased production
There is an urgent need for government intervention, including increasing customs duties on imports to support local manufacturers and enhance competitiveness
The sector has experienced a production decline of around 30% in recent years, highlighting the necessity for organized recovery efforts

05:00–10:00

The Syrian ceramic industry is facing significant challenges due to high energy costs and reduced customs duties on imports, leading to the closure of many production lines. Many manufacturers are operating at only 15% of their potential output, resulting in job losses and decreased local purchasing power.

The Syrian ceramic industry is struggling due to high energy costs and reduced customs duties on imports, resulting in the closure of many production lines in major factories
Many manufacturers are operating at significantly reduced capacities, often producing only 15% of their potential output, leading to widespread job losses and diminished local purchasing power
There is a pressing need for protective measures to support local industries, highlighting the importance of balancing domestic production support with import management to maintain competitiveness
Experts indicate that the insufficient protection for local industries against cheaper imports is a key factor in the decline of production, underscoring the need for strategic government policies
The challenges are further compounded by outdated machinery and infrastructure, which limit the ability of local manufacturers to compete effectively with imported products

10:00–15:00

The Syrian ceramic industry is facing severe challenges due to high energy costs and reduced customs duties on imports, leading to significant production declines. Many manufacturers are operating at only 15% of their potential output, resulting in job losses and decreased local purchasing power.

The Syrian ceramic industry is struggling with high production costs, particularly energy expenses, which constitute about 40% of total costs
Imported ceramics are priced lower, around $4-5 per square meter, compared to local production costs of $6-7, creating an uneven competitive landscape
Currency instability and limited financing options further hinder local manufacturers ability to compete with imports
There is a call for protective measures to support local industries while avoiding a complete market closure to imports, as this could lead to job losses and decreased economic activity
Strategic policies are needed to enhance local production capabilities and ensure fair competition in the market

15:00–20:00

The Syrian ceramic industry is struggling with high energy costs, which represent 40-50% of production expenses, alongside reduced tariffs on imported goods that disadvantage local products
A balanced policy approach is essential, focusing on lowering energy costs, regulating imports, and providing quick financing to struggling factories
Syrias annual demand for ceramics is around 40 million square meters, while local production only reaches 7 million square meters, indicating a significant supply gap
Investing just 3% of projects into local production could potentially increase output by 15-20 million square meters, greatly enhancing the industrys capacity