According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s cumulative trade deficit increased by 12.95% year-over-year (YoY), reaching $5.06 billion by April 2025. This change was driven by a cumulative 18.13% YoY surge in exports by April 2025, which outpaced the cumulative 13.88% YoY rise in imports 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
The top three import destinations in 2025 up till April were China, Greece, and Egypt, accounting for 10.56%, 9.49%, and 7.99% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products were mineral products (26.32%) at $1.64 million, pearls, precious stones, and metals (16.80%) at $1.04 million, and products of the chemical or allied industries (8.20%) at $ 510 million.
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to April 2025)
On the exports side, the top three destinations in 2025 up till April were Switzerland, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Syrian Arab Republic capturing respective shares of 24.48%, 16.81% and 4.05% of the total value of exports. The top exported products were pearls, precious stones, and metals (38.97%) at $452 million, base metals and articles of base metal (15.60%) at $181 million, and prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco (11.72%) at $136 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to April 2025)
Disclaimer:
This article is a research document that is owned and published by BLOMINVEST BANK SAL.
No material from this publication may be modified, copied, reproduced, repackaged, republished, circulated, transmitted or redistributed directly or indirectly, in whole or in any part, without the prior written authorization of BLOMINVEST BANK SAL.
The information and opinions contained in this document have been compiled from or arrived at in good faith from sources deemed reliable. Neither BLOMINVEST BANK SAL, nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or parent company will make any representation or warranty to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.
Neither the information nor any opinion expressed in this research article constitutes an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any assets or securities, or to provide investment advice.
This research article is prepared for general circulation and is circulated for general information only.