Lebanon’s exports to the European Union: unexpected resilience amid the storm

As Lebanon’s economy remains under severe strain, exports to the European Union recorded a notable increase in 2025 a rare bright spot for the country’s productive sectors as they continue to hold their ground in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Against a backdrop of overlapping economic crises, Lebanon’s foreign trade figures offer an unexpected signal of resilience. In an exclusive interview to The Beiruter, Mohammad Abou Haidar, Director General at the Ministry of Economy and Trade, affirmed that Lebanese exports to the European Union have shown relative strength during the first ten months of 2025.

“Between January and October 2025, Lebanese exports to the EU reached €474.9 million, compared with €439.7 million over the same period in 2024, an increase of nearly 8%,” Abou Haidar told The Beiruter. He added that “these figures demonstrate the Lebanese product’s ability to withstand pressure and maintain its presence in one of the world’s most competitive markets, despite difficult economic conditions and persistent structural constraints."

Imports rise alongside exports

This performance, however, must be viewed in context, Abou Haidar noted. Lebanese imports from the European Union also rose, reaching €4.52 billion during the same period, up from €4.25 billion in 2024.

The trend reflects Lebanon’s continued reliance on European goods, particularly machinery, equipment, industrial products and pharmaceuticals. According to Abou Haidar, it underscores “the urgent need to strengthen local production and narrow the trade deficit gap.”

Positive signals from industry

“Several industrial segments have driven export growth. Shipments of copper waste and scrap to the EU nearly doubled, rising from €28 million in 2024 to €58 million in 2025”.

This surge highlights Lebanon’s emerging role as a supplier of recyclable materials, aligning with the principles of the circular economy increasingly embedded in European value chains.

Other industrial exports have also recorded gradual growth, including electrical equipment components, ceramic products, leather goods and furniture. These sectors benefit from rising European demand for artisan-made, value-added products.

The apparel and footwear sectors have continued to make a steady contribution, with exports estimated at €16 million.

Exports of precious metal jewellery, meanwhile, generated approximately €6 million, confirming sustained European interest in Lebanese products that combine quality, craftsmanship and identity.

Food, agriculture and steady demand

Exports from the food and beverage industry remained broadly stable at around €55 million, with a diverse range of products including bakery goods, wine, beer, processed fruits and nuts.

The agricultural sector recorded exports of roughly €13 million, driven by products such as olive oil, grapes, avocados, coffee, spices, and natural casings used in food processing.

“These sectors form a critical foundation for strengthening Lebanon’s export capacity over the long term,” Abou Haidar noted.

Brands as a strategic growth lever

Another key indicator is the growing importance of Lebanese brands. In 2025, nearly 14,590 transactions were registered with the Intellectual Property Office, including 6,224 trademark registrations, primarily in food and beverages, apparel and cosmetics.

Mohammad Abou Haidar stressed that “industry and agriculture are the true pillars of recovery for the national economy.” He called for clear policies to support production, protect intellectual property, develop national brands and facilitate access to international markets.

Such measures, he argued, are essential to create jobs, improve the trade balance and strengthen Lebanon’s position within regional and global value chains.