IMF says Syria's economy will grow at a double digit rate in 2026

The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 (13 Mordad 1405), that Syria's economy is expected to grow at a double digit rate in 2026 and to maintain strong momentum next year. An IMF staff team visited Damascus from 19 to 23 July 2026 to assess economic conditions, review reform progress and agree on policy priorities. Mission chief Ron van Rooden said after the visit that Syria's economic recovery is accelerating.

According to the Fund, the economy began recovering in 2025 as consumer and investor confidence improved following the regime change, and around 1.5 million refugees returned to the country. This year's growth is being supported by improved rainfall and a rebound in agriculture, expanding hydrocarbon production, better electricity provision, and stronger trade and services. Syria's central government recorded a small budget surplus in 2025, and revenues are expected to increase substantially in 2026 on stronger tax and customs collection, higher hydrocarbon income, and one off proceeds from telecommunications licences and fuel transit fees.

Alongside those figures, the Fund warned that poverty remains widespread and that the recovery is uneven across regions. Inflation, which had slowed to low double digit levels in 2025, accelerated in 2026 because of higher fuel and food import prices linked to the regional conflict, strong domestic demand and rising housing costs. The IMF also described Syria's banking system as highly dysfunctional and urged the authorities to accelerate rehabilitation of the sector and introduce new central bank and banking laws.