The declaration of a ceasefire on November 27, 2024, marked a pivotal turning point for the Lebanese economy. With the immediate threat of conflict removed, trade activity in January 2025 showed a strong resurgence, supported by increased market confidence and a population no longer gripped by fear of scarcity. Naturally, consumer behavior shifted, people began spending more freely, no longer worried about stockpiling or supply shortages. This change in sentiment, coupled with the election of the new presidency, brought a wave of optimism that energized both local demand and international trade engagement.
According to Customs Administrations, Lebanon’s trade deficit fell by 3.73% year-on-year (YoY) to $1.10B in 2025. Total imported goods increased by 20.56% month-on-month (MoM) to reach $1.43B, while total exports rose by 53.76% MoM to hit $326.22M. Total imports and exports were up 3.94% and 42.23% YoY, respectively, showing not only a recovery from recent disruptions but also a gradual return to pre-war economic patterns.
The top three imports destinations in January 2025 were China, Greece, and Egypt, accounting for 11.71%, 10.66% and 9.43% of the total value of imports, respectively. The total value of imported goods from these countries was $169.39M, $152.33M, and $134.75M. The top imported products were mineral products (30.83%) at $440.5M, products of the chemical or allied industries (9.90%) at $141.46M, and machinery and electrical instruments (7.65%) at $109.3M.
On the exports side, the top three destinations were Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the United States recording respective shares of 30.75%, 14.49%, and 6.17% of the total value of exports. The total value of exported goods to these countries was $100.3M, $47.3M, and $20.12M. The Top exported products were pearls, precious stones and metals (42.84%) at $139.74M , base metals and articles of base metal (17.79%) at $58.04M, and prepared food stuffs and beverages, tobacco (9.97%) at $32.53M.
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