Lebanon’s Cumulative Trade Deficit Up by 23.06% YoY to $1.36B by January 2026
According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s cumulative trade deficit increased by 23.06% year-over-year (YoY), to reach $1.36B by January 2026. This change was attributed to a decrease in exports of 47.83% YOY and increase in imports by 6.87% YOY during the same period.
The increase of Lebanon’s trade deficit is largely reflecting the impact of persistent regional and geopolitical pressures in addition to Lebanese economic and financial situation. Ongoing tensions along the southern border continued to disrupt economic activity and logistics, weighing on trade flows and investor confidence are affecting exports negatively. Meanwhile, persistent political uncertainty and the absence of structural economic reforms led to decrease in competitiveness of Lebanese exports. Limited production capacity, high production costs (energy and transportation) and restricted access to financing are major reasons for competitiveness drawback. Going forward, and after ceasefire, hopefully exports will increase due to expected approval from Gulf countries to import Lebanese products after the current government’s efforts to capture products for exporting filled with illegal substances. On the imports front, main factor that drove imports upward is the increase in consumer demand due mostly to Lebanon’s dependence on remittances from expats spread across continents.
Lebanon’s Balance of Trade (USD Million)
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon in January 2026
The top three import destinations in January 2026 were Switzerland, China, and United Arab Emirates accounting for 13.88%, 11.89%, and 10.3% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products were pearls, precious stones, and metals (26.83%) at $410 million, mineral products (18.33%) at $280 million, and products of the chemical or allied industries (9.53%) at $146 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon in January 2026
On the exports side, the top three destinations in January 2026 were United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey and Syrian Arab Republic capturing respective shares of 15.98%, 13.74% and 10.19% of the total value of exports. The top exported products were pearls, precious stones, and metals (27.45%) at $ 47 million, base metals and articles of base metal (16.26%) at $28 million, and prepared foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco (13.11%) at $22 million.
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.
