Russia strengthens its economic influence in Syria with a new logistics center at Tartus port

Responsible sources revealed Russia's intention to operate a new commercial logistics center in the Syrian port of Tartus by mid-July. This center aims to utilize one of the berths of the naval base leased by Moscow to transform it into a commercial launching point, while maintaining military activity at the adjacent berth, in a move that reflects Moscow's determination to solidify its economic foothold during Syria's transitional phase.

The sources explained that the new center will manage large shipments of Russian goods, primarily wheat, grains, vegetable oils, and construction materials such as steel and clinker, with an initial capacity of up to 250,000 tons per month. This move comes in cooperation between the Syrian company 'Rusline' and the Russian-Syrian Business Council, and in direct coordination with the Syrian Sovereign Fund, to ensure the flow of essential goods on which Damascus heavily relies.

Customs data indicate that Syria's economic dependence on Moscow has reached record levels, with Russia and Crimea providing about 85% of Syria's wheat needs, totaling 2.9 million tons for the current season. Imports of Russian crude oil also saw a significant increase, with Syrian ports receiving about 16.8 million barrels last year, amidst close monitoring by Washington, which seeks to reduce this military and political influence in the region.

The center will initially handle Russian wheat, grains, animal feed, vegetable oils, timber, and steel, with the aim of shipping 250,000 tons per month.