The conflict in Syria, now in its fourth year, has had a major impact on the cosmetic market and industry, both in the troubled country itself and the neighbouring region. Exports to Syria and the distribution of cosmetics have been severely hampered by the civil war, while the conflict’s spillover is impacting other countries, compounded by the 2.9 million Syrian refugees currently registered in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.
“Syria was a good market before the crisis and Jordanian manufacturers depended on exports to Syria and Iraq. But due to the crisis the border with Syria is often closed and goods cannot easily enter, which is the same with Iraq now. Most manufacturers are feeling the pinch,” said Ifani Igboanugo, owner of Ransel Industries in Jordan, which manufactures its own line of cosmetics for Middle Eastern and African markets.