Syrian Pound (Syrian Lira) Highlights, Updates, Latest News – 2025 Overview

The story of the Syrian Pound (SYP) in 2025 is a mix of cautious hope and ongoing challenges. After years of conflict and economic struggles, the lifting of international sanctions earlier this year has given Syria a bit of breathing room. The currency is starting to show some signs of stability—and even small improvements—but the road ahead is still far from easy.

Right now, the value of the Syrian Pound continues to shift between the official rate and the black market rate. It’s being pulled in different directions by politics, government decisions, and regional developments. For businesses, investors, and everyday Syrians trying to make ends meet, understanding what’s driving the Pound is more important than ever.

Don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down for you. Let’s walk through what’s really going on with the Syrian Pound (Lira) in 2025.

Weekly Market Trends

The Syrian Pound has had a busy few weeks. The currency has moved slightly in a better direction, especially on the black market. Let’s look more deeply.

• Exchange Rate Movements: In the first months of 2025, the Syrian Pound showed some signs of life on the parallel market. January marked a milestone as the SYP reached approximately 11,500 against the US dollar on the black market, its strongest level in over a year. This modest 1% yearly gain, while small, breaks a long pattern of steep depreciation that saw the Pound lose about 55% of its value over the past two years. Meanwhile, official exchange rates hover around 13,000 SYP/USD. The Syrian government and Central Bank continue efforts to close the gap between these official and unofficial rates through gradual unification policies, aiming to reduce distortions and speculation.
• Key Catalysts for Movement: Several important developments have fueled this slow but hopeful strengthening of the Pound. Notably, new foreign investment agreements have injected confidence into the economy. The $800 million deal with DP World to develop the strategic port of Tartous stands out as a landmark project. This move not only enhances Syria’s trade capacity but signals growing international interest. Reconstruction discussions and efforts to normalize trade relations with Gulf countries also provide vital support to the currency. Such developments show foreign investors are cautiously returning, encouraged by improved diplomatic ties and economic reforms.
• Domestic Economic Factors: A major factor behind the stabilization trend is the dramatic drop in inflation. Inflation rates fell from a staggering 119% in early 2024 to about 46.7% over the last year, partly thanks to better exchange rates and improved supply chains. This easing of inflation helps maintain the Pound’s purchasing power and reduces pressure on prices. However, regional fuel price fluctuations—especially in northern Syria—and ongoing commodity market volatility continue to affect currency demand and exchange rate swings. Local market disruptions and informal trade flows still make the currency’s short-term outlook unpredictable.
• Market Volatility Remains: Despite these gains, volatility is still the norm in many parts of Syria. Street markets and border towns experience frequent price jumps driven by supply interruptions and shifting demand. This creates a challenging environment for traders and consumers who must constantly adjust to changing costs. It also keeps the parallel market very active, as people seek to protect their savings or take advantage of currency fluctuations.

Government Announcements Impacting Exchange Rates

The Syrian government has made several big decisions in 2025 that are now influencing the local currency. These moves are part of larger economic reforms meant to ease pressure on families and bring more stability to the Syrian Pound. Some of these changes have helped boost confidence, while others could increase inflation. 

• Changes to Subsidies and Inflation Impact: The government announced plans to slowly remove bread subsidies. This is a major shift, as bread is one of the most important foods in Syria. Removing these subsidies means bread prices will go up. This can lead to more inflation, making everyday life more expensive for most people.

Higher food prices usually weaken a currency, because people need more money to buy the same things. This change may hurt the Pound if prices rise too fast and wages don’t keep up.

• Massive Salary Increases: To help with rising prices, the government gave public workers a 400% salary increase. This is a big jump and gives people more money to spend. The Central Bank says it has enough reserves to support this move, which is important for trust in the economy.

More money in people’s hands can help demand, but if there isn’t enough supply, it can also cause more inflation. If inflation goes up too much, the value of the Syrian Pound could fall again. It all depends on whether local markets can handle this new spending without pushing prices up.

• Financial Policy Shifts: Some other changes are making it easier for people to use their money. The government has relaxed limits on cash withdrawals and lifted restrictions on money transfer companies. These steps improve access to money, especially for families who receive help from relatives living abroad.

By making it easier to receive foreign currency through legal channels, these changes may reduce the demand for black market trading. That could help stabilize exchange rates and bring the official and parallel market rates closer together.

• Political Developments and Confidence Boost: Finally, political talks and improved relations with nearby Gulf countries are having a good effect. Peace efforts and diplomacy build trust. They show that Syria may become more stable, which makes foreign investors and businesses feel more comfortable.

The DP World deal to expand the port of Tartous is a good example. This project sends a strong message: Syria is open to rebuilding and reconnecting with the world. These developments create a sense of hope and can help support the Syrian Pound in the longer term.

Central Bank Moves in Q1–Q2 of 2025

Q1 and Q2 refer to the first and second quarters of the year. Q1 includes January to March, and Q2 covers April to June. Together, they represent the first half of 2025.

During this period, the Central Bank of Syria (CBS) made several key moves to help stabilize the Syrian Pound and strengthen the overall financial system. These actions focus on better currency control, restoring market confidence, and adapting to changing international dynamics.

• Currency Stabilization Measures: The Central Bank of Syria (CBS) has taken an active role in stabilizing the Syrian Pound by regulating foreign currency sales through licensed banks and exchange offices. Priority is given to humanitarian and commercial transfers to avoid destabilizing capital flows. These steps help ensure foreign currency is available where it is needed most.
• Exchange Rate Unification Efforts: A significant focus for the CBS is narrowing the gap between official and black market exchange rates. By reducing fragmentation and curbing speculation, the Central Bank aims to restore trust in the Pound. Though challenging, this gradual approach helps avoid shocks that sudden policy changes could cause.
• New Partnerships and Currency Printing Plans: The CBS has been exploring new partnerships with foreign financial institutions to boost its capabilities. Additionally, plans to print new Syrian banknotes in the UAE and Germany mark a shift away from Russia, reflecting Syria’s improving international relations and easing sanctions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize the monetary system.
• Monetary Policy Reforms: The Central Bank is also working to enhance its independence from political pressures and expand Islamic banking services to attract a wider range of customers. Liquidity injections and adjustments to the foreign exchange auction system are ongoing, but details remain limited. These reforms aim to create a more resilient financial sector.

Parallel Market Activity and Remittance Flows

In Syria, the unofficial or “parallel” currency market—often called the black market—continues to influence everyday life and the value of the Syrian Pound. From early 2025, several trends and challenges have shaped how people trade and transfer money both within Syria and from abroad.

• Black Market Exchange Rate Trends: The black market remains a key signal of the Pound’s real-world value. Since recent sanctions were relaxed, the rate has become a bit more stable. However, it still swings often due to supply shortages, economic pressure, and political uncertainty. Many unofficial exchange offices remain active, although some have shut down because of the unstable conditions.
• Importance of Remittances: Remittances—money sent by Syrians living abroad—remain a major support for the economy. These transfers bring in much-needed foreign currency, helping to stabilize both the official and unofficial exchange markets. For many families, remittances are essential for buying daily necessities and covering living costs.
• Challenges in Currency Formalization: Even with new policies, many people continue to use informal exchange routes. This is mainly due to low confidence in banks and official channels. Economic uncertainty and inconsistent policies make it hard for the government to fully bring currency trading into the formal system.
• Public Currency Preferences: Syrians are split on how they handle savings. Some keep their money in local currency, hoping for improvement. Others prefer the stability of the US dollar or the Euro, especially during uncertain times. These choices often depend on inflation, news reports, and personal trust in the financial system.
• Regional Influences on Currency Dynamics: Countries like Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey have a strong effect on Syria’s financial flows. Many remittances and currency trades move through these neighbors, shaping Syria’s broader market trends. Understanding these regional links is key to tracking the Syrian Pound’s movement.

Syrian Pound vs. Regional Currencies in 2025

In 2025, the Syrian Pound (SYP) showed modest appreciation despite remaining highly volatile. Following years of severe depreciation, the Pound began to stabilize slightly in the post-sanctions environment. However, its position is still fragile, with both domestic and external factors influencing its performance on a weekly basis.

• The Turkish Lira (TRY) faced continued high volatility and inflation throughout 2025. Regional economic pressures, including rising import costs and political instability, weighed heavily on the Lira. This made it one of the more unstable currencies in the region this year.
• The Lebanese Pound (LBP) experienced severe depreciation, continuing the deep financial crisis that has gripped Lebanon in recent years. The economy remained heavily dollarized, with limited access to hard currency and widespread public distrust in financial institutions, pushing the LBP further into crisis territory.
• The Iranian Rial (IRR) showed signs of gradual stabilization, benefiting from eased sanctions and efforts to restore economic balance. Still, inflation remains high, and many Iranians continue to struggle with the high cost of living, which limits the Rial’s ability to regain real strength.
• In contrast, the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) maintained relative stability during 2025. Supported by strong oil revenues and ongoing economic reform efforts, the Dinar has held its ground better than most regional currencies. Confidence in Iraq’s monetary policies and fiscal discipline continues to provide a cushion against broader regional volatility.

Comparison and Context

Compared to Lebanon’s ongoing financial collapse, the Syrian Pound’s slow recovery looks more promising. Yet, it still shows more volatility than the Iraqi Dinar or Iranian Rial, which benefit from stronger government backing or resource wealth. Turkey’s Lira remains unstable, reflecting broader regional economic uncertainty.

Cross-Border Trade and Financial Flows

Improved diplomatic ties with Gulf countries have increased the use of the Syrian Pound in cross-border trade. Currency exchange bureaus in regional hubs such as Dubai and Beirut display cautious optimism but remain alert to risks from Syria’s internal instability.

Last Words:

The Syrian Lira in 2025 tells a story of slow but hopeful recovery. After years of steep decline and tough sanctions, things are finally starting to look a bit brighter. With new government policies, more trade deals, and money flowing in from Syrians living abroad, the Pound has shown some signs of strength. It’s even gained a little value—a small win, but still a big deal after so much loss.

But here is the reality the road ahead isn’t smooth. The currency still faces serious challenges like political tensions, rising prices, and uncertainty across the region. One unexpected headline could shake things up all over again.

For everyday Syrians, business owners, and even investors, it’s a time to stay alert. Watching what the government does next, tracking exchange rate changes, and paying attention to international relations will all matter. 

The Pound’s (Syrian Lira) journey isn’t over—but for the first time in a while, there’s a bit of optimism in the air.