Syria struggles to import essentials due to US sanctions, warns trade minister

Syria's new trade minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan warned on January 6 that strict US sanctions are preventing the country from importing essential goods like fuel and wheat, and called for their lifting or suspension to avoid a looming crisis.

Syria is facing difficulties in securing key imports like fuel and wheat due to strict U.S. sanctions, despite interest from other countries, including Gulf Arab states, Syria’s new trade minister, Maher Khalil al-Hasan, told Reuters on January 6.

Speaking from Damascus, al-Hasan warned that the country’s new administration, formed by Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after ousting President Bashar al-Assad in December, has only enough wheat and fuel to last a few months. Without a lift or freeze of sanctions, he said Syria faces a "catastrophe."

The sanctions, which were imposed during Assad’s rule, target his government and state institutions like the central bank. Russia and Iran, long supporters of Assad, halted their aid after the regime fell and Assad fled to Moscow.

In response to Syria's plight, the U.S. is expected to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid and services like electricity, while maintaining its strict sanctions on the country. The full impact of these changes is still unclear.

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