Lebanon’s Cumulative Trade Deficit Up by 12.42% YoY to $9.34B by July 2025
According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s cumulative trade deficit increased by 12.42% year-over-year (YoY), to reach $9.34B by July 2025. This change was driven by a cumulative 14.71% YoY ($11,456 million) surge in imports by July 2025 despite a 26.04% YoY ($2,115 million) rise in exports during the same period.
The increase in exports likely signals a rebound in business activity across multiple regions, supported by improving conditions in neighboring Syria, where the relative easing of conflict has reopened and stabilized several cross-border trade routes. This has enabled smoother movement of goods and boosted regional trade momentum. Additionally, the summer months of June and July typically witness a seasonal surge in consumption as expatriates return to Lebanon, driving higher demand for food, fuel, and consumer goods. The combination of increased household spending and revived regional trade helped stimulate economic activity, though it also contributed to a wider external deficit.
Lebanon’s Balance of Trade (USD Million)
YTD: Year to Date
The top three import destinations in 2025 up till July were China, Greece, and Egypt, accounting for 11.64%, 8.52%, and 7.00% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products were mineral products (24.56%) at $2,814 million, pearls, precious stones, and metals (15.28%) at $1,751 million, and products of the chemical or allied industries (8.31%) at $952 million.
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to July 2025)
On the exports side, the top three destinations in 2025 up till July were Switzerland, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt capturing respective shares of 22.98%, 17.02% and 4.26% of the total value of exports. The top exported products were pearls, precious stones, and metals (37.30%) at $789 million, base metals and articles of base metal (14.75%) at $312 million, and prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco (11.68%) at $247 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to July 2025)
