Lebanon’s Cumulative Trade Deficit Up by 19.03% YoY to $6.1B by April 2026
According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s cumulative trade deficit increased by 19.03% year-over-year (YoY), to reach $6.1B by April 2026. This change was driven by a cumulative 11.33% YoY ($7,036 million) surge in imports by April 2026 and a 21.64% YoY ($938 million) fall in exports during the same period.
The widening of Lebanon’s trade deficit by April 2026 can be largely attributed to the repercussions of the renewed escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which erupted in late February 2026 and continued to weigh on economic activity throughout April despite a semi-ceasefire announced on April 17th. The ongoing security uncertainty and repeated breaches, particularly in southern Lebanon, continued to disrupt economic activity, hinder production, and weigh on export performance, contributing to the sharp decline in exports. Meanwhile, imports remained elevated as Lebanon continued to rely heavily on foreign goods to meet domestic demand, including reconstruction needs and the replenishment of supplies affected by the conflict, ultimately widening the country’s trade deficit.
Lebanon’s Balance of Trade (USD Million)
YTD: Year to Date
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to April 2026)
The top three import destinations by April 2026 were China, Switzerland, and Greece accounting for 12.34%, 8.70%, and 7.23% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products were Mineral products (23.72%) at $1,669 million, Pearls, precious stones and metals (16.44%) at $1,157 million, and Products of the chemical or allied industries (9.30%) at $654 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to April 2026)
On the exports side, the top three destinations in 2025 were United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and Turkey capturing respective shares of 13.01%, 9.49% and 8.53% of the total value of exports. The top exported products were Pearls, precious stones and metals (23.67%) at $222 million, Base metals and articles of base metal (17.70%) at $166 million, and Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco (14.39%) at $135 million.
