Lebanon: Exports on the Rise, Trade Deficit Worsens

Liliane Mokbel 19/07 18:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Turkey United Arab Emirates United States economy trade industry exports

According to data from the Higher Council of Customs, Lebanese exports rose by 21% between January and May 2025, reaching 1.5 billion dollars compared to 1.2 billion a year earlier. This increase reflects renewed competitiveness for “Made in Lebanon” products, which are seen as better suited to local purchasing power and more reliable in ...

Figure of the weekLebanese Arak Makes a Strong Comeback on Global Markets

Liliane Mokbel 19/07 15:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

The Lebanese arak industry is enjoying a remarkable revival. In 2024, exports of this iconic spirit reached 980,000 bottles, up from 700,000 in 2016. This represents a nearly 40 percent increase over eight years. In terms of value, the growth is even more impressive, rising from $3.7 million to $6.2 million, an increase of more than 67 ...

Fuel Prices Drop in Lebanon After Tax Removal Ruling

This is Beirut 18/07 12:00 - Reading : less than a minute

Lebanon Fuel Prices Tax Economy motorists

Fuel prices in Lebanon dropped significantly on Friday following the removal of a previously imposed tax. The measure, recently announced by the authorities, comes amid a challenging economic climate marked by persistent currency fluctuations and mounting pressure on consumers’ purchasing power. The decision had an immediate effect, causing a ...

Netflix Profits Surge Off Ads, Higher Subscription Prices

This is Beirut 18/07 10:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Netflix

Netflix reported stronger than expected second-quarter results Thursday, with profit jumping 45 percent year-over-year as the streaming giant benefited from subscription price increases and a growing advertising business. Revenue climbed 16 percent to $11.1 billion in the quarter ended June 30, beating analyst estimates and the company's own ...

Lebanon-Cyprus Maritime Border Talks Reach Critical Stage

Bassam Abou Zeid 18/07 09:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Cyprus Lebanon Syria Oil economy exploration gas maritime borders

Lebanon’s push to revive oil and gas exploration in its Exclusive Economic Zone remains stuck in limbo. Political gridlock and regional volatility have stalled progress, and even French energy giant TotalEnergies – holder of the license for Block 9 – has yet to take any operational steps or issue public statements. The only current movement ...

Why Silver Is Stealing the Spotlight from Gold

Christiane Tager 17/07 21:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Gold Silver

Since the start of the year, silver prices have soared nearly 30%, climbing from around $30.40 an ounce in January to nearly $37 in July – levels not seen since 2011. This is a rare surge for a metal that typically moves more cautiously than gold. Crossing the $35 per ounce threshold, silver has caught analysts off guard and stirred excitement ...

Crisis and Creativity: How Lebanese Brands Are Carving Out Their Place

Liliane Mokbel 17/07 14:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Lebanon Economy Entrepreneurs Exports New brands Franchise

Faced with soaring import costs and an ongoing multifaceted crisis, Lebanese entrepreneurs have shown remarkable ingenuity. Paradoxically, the country’s challenges have acted as a catalyst, pushing many in the private sector to create their own commercial brands. In a local market hungry for revitalization, particularly following the gradual ...

Why Are Airfares to Lebanon So High?

Christiane Tager 17/07 12:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Middle East Turkey

Since relative calm returned to Lebanon, one might have expected fares to drop. Not quite. Between high taxes, risk premiums, soaring operational costs, and a limited number of flights - not to mention the complete absence of low-cost carriers - travelers are still paying a steep price to fly into Beirut. “Demand hasn’t dipped, driven by ...

Nvidia's Huang says 'Doing Our Best' to Serve Chinese Market

This is Beirut 16/07 12:25 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Donald Trump Washington Nvidia China

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on Wednesday his firm was "doing our best" to serve China's vast market for semiconductors after meeting Beijing officials. Huang is in the Chinese capital this week to attend the China International Supply Chain Expo, a forum for the country to boost its image as the global defender of free trade in contrast to the ...

Trump says Indonesia to Face 19% Tariff Under Trade Deal

This is Beirut 16/07 09:17 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

United States Donald Trump Indonesia Tariffs

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he had struck a trade pact with Indonesia resulting in significant purchase commitments from the Southeast Asian country, following negotiations to avoid steeper tariffs. Indonesian goods entering the United States would face a 19 percent tariff, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. This ...

Agriculture at a Crossroads: Rich Lands, Closed Borders

Christiane Tager 15/07 21:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Europe European Union Gulf Saudi Arabia Turkey

Lebanon’s land still gives, but the market no longer answers. At a recent Cabinet meeting, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani issued a stark warning: Lebanese agriculture is at a breaking point. With distribution in crisis, export routes to the Gulf shut down and a stifling economic climate, the sector is being pushed to the edge. “Maritime ...

WindowBDL Takes Action: Ban on Transactions with Al-Qard Al-Hassan & co.

This is Beirut 15/07 14:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Banks Banque du Liban Central Bank of Lebanon

The circular (No. 170) published by the Banque du Liban, accompanied by Basic Decision No. 13335, marks a decisive turning point in regulating the Lebanese financial sector. By formally banning banks and financial institutions from any relationship with unauthorized entities, particularly the association Al-Qard Al-Hassan, the Banque du Liban is ...