Loans to Modernize Freight Fleet
Syria's Ministry of Transport announced on 7 June 2026 a concessional loan program intended to replace or upgrade the bulk of the country's commercial trucking fleet. Officials described the aging of the fleet as one of the most pressing challenges now facing the land freight sector.
The plan targets operators of heavy goods vehicles across the country, offering financing designed to spread the cost of new trucks over several years rather than requiring large upfront payments.
A Fleet Two Decades Old
According to figures released with the announcement, more than 42,000 trucks operate in Syria, but only about 7,000 — roughly a quarter — are considered modern. The ministry said 75 percent of the fleet needs replacement or modernization.
The data also showed that 62 percent of trucks heavier than 3.5 tons are more than 20 years old, underscoring the scale of the renewal effort and the maintenance burden carried by operators.
Seven-Year Replacement Plan
The program envisions replacing at least 10 percent of the fleet each year over a seven-year horizon, equivalent to about 3,300 trucks annually. Loans would run for five to ten years, with operators repaying installments from the revenue their vehicles generate.
Cost estimates ranged from US$60,000 to US$75,000 for Chinese-made trucks and from US$100,000 to US$150,000 for European or American models. At those prices, the annual bill would fall between roughly US$231 million and US$412.5 million, depending on the mix chosen.
Funding Routes Under Study
Several financing channels are under consideration, including concessional lending from public and private banks, financing and leasing companies, and installment arrangements offered directly by dealers.
The ministry also pointed to a dedicated replacement fund, participation by cooperative societies, and support from development bodies as possible mechanisms to underwrite the cost.
Freight Volumes and Stakes
Land transport moved 4.63 million tons of goods in the first quarter of 2026, an average of about 50,000 tons a day, underscoring the role trucks play in moving food, fuel, and construction materials across the country.
Because new trucks are priced in US dollars (USD), the cost of the renewal program will track the exchange rate of the Syrian pound (SYP), tying the plan's affordability to currency conditions over the coming years.