Total import and export activities

Lebanon imports most of its consumer needs with the value of imports reaching approximately $7.3 billion annually as compared to $890 million in exports.

Lebanon’s import and export activities cover around 50 countries with Saudi Arabia heading the list of export destinations as it imports close to $85 million of Lebanese goods annually. Italy is the main source of Lebanese imports, sending in $710 million worth of annual goods.

Cross-border trade

In the year 2001, import of Syrian goods reached approximately $327 million (with fuel making up roughly 63% of imports), while Lebanese exports to Syria were a mere $35 million. In terms of rank, Syria occupies the seventh position on Lebanon’s export list while it ranks eighth in terms of Lebanese imports.

Table 1 provides trade statistics between Lebanon and Syria over the last eight years. The table reveals an increase in imports from Syria, mainly due to the purchase of Syrian fuel. In addition, imports from Syria over the years are shown to constitute only 3.2% - 4.5% of total imports, while Syria absorbs 3.6% - 8.3% of Lebanese exports. The main import/export goods by value in 2001 are illustrated in Table 2.

Trade Exchange by Individuals

The geographic nature of relations between Lebanon and Syria, in terms of the ease of transport, creates major trade activity. The relatively low prices in the Syrian market make the country an attractive destination for its Lebanese neighbors, especially for clothes, cotton-based products and jewellery. Equally, many Syrians come to shop in Lebanon and the number of inbound and outbound cross-border visits reaches approximately 2 million people annually.

The volume of trade is not representative of informal activities or undeclared purchases as the two countries share broad borders leading to the absence of control on some roads and exits.

The nature of the political and economic ties that bind Lebanon and Syria imposes a need for negotiations on how to better integrate economic activity to benefit both nations, rather than suffering from obstacles and barriers to improved trade.