Transit taxes double for land exports between Syria and Jordan

Transit fees on land exports through Syria and Jordan have more than doubled, from $800 to $1,800 per truck, following the re-opening of the Nassib-Jaber border crossing between Syria and Jordan two weeks ago, according to the Syndicate of Vegetables and Fruits Importers and Exporters.

Transit fees in Syria have increased by 450 percent, from $150 per truck to $800. Transit fees in Jordan have also increased, from $250 to $400.

Local farmers who wish to export to Jordan are also subject to additional obstacles, because Amman has imposed income tax (17 percent), and sales tax (3 percent) on its local importers. For instance, taxes on each ton of apples, which costs $700, are now $125, and taxes on grapes, which cost $1,000, are now $150.

“Jordan is violating the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), the agreement which facilitates and promotes free trade between Arab countries,” said Ibrahim Tarchichi, Chairman of the Association of Bekaa Farmers.

The closure of the Nassib-Jaber border crossing in 2015 cut off a vital access point to Jordan and the Gulf markets.