Foreign News
IMF forecasts double-digit growth for Syria’s economy this year
Syria’s economy is expected to grow at a double-digit rate in 2026 and maintain strong momentum next year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.
It, however, warned on Tuesday that poverty remains widespread and the recovery is uneven across regions.
An IMF staff team visited Damascus on July 19-23 to assess economic conditions, discuss reform progress and policy priorities, and agree on further technical assistance.
“Syria’s economic recovery is accelerating,” mission chief Ron van Rooden said after the visit.
The IMF said the economy began recovering in 2025 as consumer and investor confidence improved following the regime change. Around 1.5 million refugees returned, and Syria gradually reintegrated into the regional and global economy.
Growth this year is being supported by improved rainfall and a rebound in agriculture, as well as expanding hydrocarbon production, electricity provision, trade and services. Economic activity is also benefiting from continued refugee returns, a rise in visitor numbers and higher government spending.
The Fund said, however, that poverty, although somewhat reduced, remains widespread.
Inflation, which slowed to low double-digit levels in 2025, has accelerated significantly in 2026 due to higher fuel and food import prices linked to the regional conflict, strong domestic demand and rising housing costs.
