Líban: Visió econòmica i política
The share of Lebanon’s foreign trade has fluctuated in recent years and stood at nearly 115% of GDP in 2022, up from 50% two years earlier mostly due to the contraction in GDP (World Bank, latest data available). According to data from the French Ministry of Economy, in 2023, the main export categories were precious metals (25.4% of total exports, +1% y-o-y), base metals (14.3%, -12.3%), electrical machinery and equipment (12.9%, +12.8%), agri-food products (12.6%, -3.3%), chemicals and pharmaceuticals (9.9%, -19.8%), and fruits and vegetables (6.9%, -35%). Hydrocarbons were Lebanon’s top import in 2023, accounting for 27% of total imports. While volumes rose by 1%, their value fell by 17% to USD 4.6 billion, reflecting the drop in average oil prices (from USD 101 per barrel in 2022 to USD 83 in 2023). Other key imported goods included precious metals (14.4%, +50%), electrical machinery and equipment (9.3%, -34%), chemicals and pharmaceuticals (7.2%, +8.7%), and vehicles (6.6%, -42%).
The UAE, serving as a regional logistics hub, was Lebanon’s top export destination in 2023 (19.7% of the total), followed by Turkey (9.8%), Egypt (5.4%), Iraq (5.1%), Switzerland (4.8%), and the United States (4%). The EU received only 12.9% of Lebanon’s total exports. Lebanon’s main suppliers were China (11.8% market share), Switzerland (10%), Greece (9.6%), Turkey (7.8%), Italy (6.3%), and the United States (4%). The EU, with which Lebanon has an association agreement, accounted for 34% of total imports. According to data by Comtrade, Lebanon’s main export partners in 2022 were the United Arab Emirates (23.3%), Syria (9.6%), Turkey (4.5%), Egypt (4.4%), and Iraq (4.2%); whereas imports come chiefly from China (13.8%), Turkey (12.4%), Greece (9.8%), Italy (5.8%), and the United States (5%). The war in Syria, the drop in demand from countries in the region, and the economic and political crisis exacerbated by the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict are having a negative impact on Lebanese exports, while imports are also hindered by the lack of hard currency.
The country's trade balance is structurally in deficit. According to WTO data, in 2023, Lebanese merchandise exports stood at USD 3 billion as opposed to USD 15.2 billion in imports (-29.4% and -21.6% year-on-year, respectively). No data is available for trade in services. The growth of the informal economy can distort customs data analysis. For instance, official figures show Lebanon’s trade with Syria plummeted from USD 467 million to USD 228 million in 2023, mainly involving plastics. However, importers report a surge in the smuggling of consumer goods and fuel (French Ministry of Economy). These discrepancies raise questions about data reliability, given the significant challenges faced by the customs administration.
Foreign Trade Values | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
Imports of Goods (million USD) | 19,641 | 11,355 | 13,857 | 19,503 | 15,286 |
Exports of Goods (million USD) | 4,829 | 4,085 | 4,590 | 4,370 | 3,083 |
Imports of Services (million USD) | 13,157 | 4,802 | 4,741 | 6,126 | 0 |
Exports of Services (million USD) | 13,673 | 4,954 | 5,847 | 8,236 | 0 |
Source: World Trade Organisation (WTO) ; Latest available data
Foreign Trade Indicators | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP) | 63.0 | 50.1 | 78.8 | 114.9 | n/a |
Trade Balance (million USD) | -13,454 | -6,584 | -8,885 | -13,756 | -12,838 |
Trade Balance (Including Service) (million USD) | -12,938 | -6,432 | -7,983 | -12,091 | -11,543 |
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change) | -9.5 | -46.0 | -12.2 | 3.5 | n/a |
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change) | -0.9 | -53.7 | 13.1 | 0.3 | n/a |
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP) | 42.3 | 33.8 | 52.8 | 80.1 | n/a |
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP) | 20.7 | 16.4 | 26.0 | 34.8 | n/a |
Source: World Bank ; Latest available data
Foreign Trade Forecasts | 2024 | 2025 (e) | 2026 (e) | 2027 (e) | 2028 (e) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Volume of exports of goods and services (Annual % change) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Volume of imports of goods and services (Annual % change) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook ; Latest available data
Note: (e) Estimated Data
Main Customers (% of Exports) |
2023 |
United Arab Emirates | 22.2% |
Türkiye | 7.9% |
Iraq | 5.2% |
Egypt | 5.0% |
United States | 4.7% |
See More Countries | 55.1% |
Main Suppliers (% of Imports) |
2023 |
China | 11.5% |
Greece | 9.8% |
Switzerland | 9.7% |
Türkiye | 7.6% |
Italy | 6.2% |
See More Countries | 55.2% |
Source: Comtrade, 2025. Because of rounding, the sum of the percentages may be smaller/greater than 100%.
Source: Comtrade, 2025. Because of rounding, the sum of the percentages may be smaller/greater than 100%.
To go further, check out our service Import-Export Flows.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division, 2024. Because of rounding, the sum of the percentages may be smaller/greater than 100%.
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Actualitzacions: February 2025