Lebanon’s Cumulative Trade Deficit Up by 50.86% YoY to $3.33B by February 2026
According to the Lebanese Customs Administration, Lebanon’s cumulative trade deficit increased by 50.86% year-over-year (YoY), to reach $3.33B by February 2026. This change was driven by a cumulative 32.57% YoY ($3,757 million) surge in imports by February 2026 and a 31.95% YoY ($426 million) fall in exports during the same period.
The increase of Lebanon’s trade deficit is largely reflecting the escalation of regional and geopolitical tensions. The outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern border in late February intensified disruptions to economic activity and trade logistics, further weakening confidence and external flows. At the same time, evolving regional dynamics – including stronger trade movement through neighboring Syria and the diversion of transit routes – continued to erode Lebanon’s role as a key trade hub. Ongoing political uncertainty and delayed reforms also limited the economy’s ability to adjust to these shocks. Together, these factors significantly deepened Lebanon’s external imbalance at the start of 2026.
Lebanon’s Balance of Trade (USD Million)
Top Import Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to February 2026)
The top three import destinations by February 2026 were China, Switzerland, and United Arab Emirates accounting for 12.38%, 12.27%, and 8.04% of the total value of imports, respectively. The top imported products were Pearls, precious stones and metals (22.28%) at $837 million, Mineral products (21.29%) at $800 million, and Machinery; electrical instruments (9.29%) at $349 million.
Top Export Destinations for Lebanon (YTD up to February 2026)
On the exports side, the top three destinations in 2025 were United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Syrian Arab Republic capturing respective shares of 15.26%, 10.09% and 7.04% of the total value of exports. The top exported products were Pearls, precious stones and metals (19.95%) at $85 million, Base metals and articles of base metal (17.84%) at $76 million, and Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco (15.02%) at $64 million.
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