Lebanon Faces Severe Trade Deficit and Economic Imbalance

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Figure of the weekLebanon Faces Severe Trade Deficit and Economic Imbalance

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Liliane Mokbel

Abd Farchoukh

Lebanon Faces Severe Trade Deficit and Economic Imbalance

©This is Beirut

Lebanon's trade deficit in 2024 reached $14.2 billion, accounting for approximately 50% of the country's GDP. This level, one of the highest in the world, is alarming and reflects the magnitude of the country's economic imbalances.

According to statistics from the Higher Council of Customs, imports declined by 3.5%, totaling $16.9 billion, while exports dropped by 9.6%, amounting to $2.7 billion.

Some product categories were particularly affected: car imports plummeted by 30%, followed by electrical products (-20%) and paper products (-10%).