According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s trade deficit widened by 9.76% year-over-year (YoY) to $10.57 billion by August of 2025. The shift was primarily driven by a cumulative 12.1% YoY surge in imports, which reached $12.94 billion, offsetting a cumulative 23.93% YoY rise in exports to $2.37 billion over the same period.
Imports rose as consumer behavior readjusted amid easing geopolitical tensions, with individuals spending more freely rather than limiting their consumption to stockpiling essentials.
On the export side, the increase likely signals a rebound in business activity across multiple regions following the November 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.
Lebanon’s Trade Balance (USD Million)
YTD: Year to Date
The top three import destinations during the first nine months of 2025 were China, Greece, and Egypt, accounting for 12%, 8%, and 7% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products during the same period were mineral products (25%) at $3,280 million, pearls, precious stones, and metals (14%) at $1,819 million, and products of the chemical or allied industries (8%) at $1,067 million.
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon (YTD August 2025)
On the exports side, the top three destinations during the first nine months of 2025 were Switzerland, UAE and United States capturing respective shares of 21%, 18%, and 4% of the total value of exports. The top exported products during the same period were pearls, precious stones, and metals (36%) at $852 million, base metals and articles of base metal (15%) at $355 million, and prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco (12%) at $280 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon (YTD August 2025)
Lebanon’s Cumulative Trade Balance (USD Million) by August (2019–2025):
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