Syria: Evolving Sanctions Landscape and Banking Hurdles in Syria and What It Means For US Agricultural Trade

Effective July 1, 2025, the United States officially terminated the Syria Sanctions Program. As a result, the transfer, export, or sale of most basic civilian-use U.S.-origin goods to or within Syria is permitted without a license. In addition, the export of most food to Syria continues to be permitted without a license, as was the case before the lifting of sanctions. Targeted sanctions remain on individuals and entities linked to former President Bashar al-Assad and his network, human rights violators, captagon traffickers, and other destabilizing actors. U.S. exporters should consult the Office of Foreign Assets Control's online (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List ("SDN List") and otherwise conduct due diligence related to all applicable sanctions before pursuing business with Syrian entities.