According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s cumulative trade deficit increased by 14.87% year-over-year (YoY), reaching $6.66 billion by May 2025. This change was driven by a cumulative 16.02% YoY ($1,124 million) surge in imports by May 2025, despite a 21.51% YoY ($262 million) rise in exports during the same period.
The rise in exports likely signals a rebound in business activity across multiple regions following the November 27, 2024, ceasefire with Israel. While Israel has continued to breach the agreement, these disruptions have remained localized, allowing broader commercial operations to resume and drive export growth.
That is in addition to the freer trade routes through Syria, especially since the fall of the previous regime.
Additionally, consumer behavior adjusted as geopolitical tensions eased, with individuals spending more freely rather than limiting their consumption to stockpiling essentials, contributing to the rise in imports.
Lebanon’s Balance of Trade (USD Million)
YTD: Year to Date
*April 2025: Revised Numbers
The top three import destinations in 2025 up till May were China, Greece, and United Arab Emirates (UAE), accounting for 10.63%, 8.98%, and 8.39% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products were mineral products (24.41%) at $1,987 million, pearls, precious stones, and metals (17.91%) at $1,458 million, and products of the chemical or allied industries (8.19%) at $667 million.
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to May 2025)
On the exports side, the top three destinations in 2025 up till May were Switzerland, UAE and Egypt capturing respective shares of 19.93%, 19.32% and 4.12% of the total value of exports. The top exported products were pearls, precious stones, and metals (36.76%) at $544 million, base metals and articles of base metal (15.68%) at $232 million, and prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco (12.03%) at $178 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to May 2025)
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