Libya bans most agricultural and food exports as olive oil sector warns of losses
Libya has banned exports of agricultural products other than dates, locally produced food products and the re-export of imported goods. The government says the controls will protect domestic supplies, while olive oil businesses warn of damage to farmers, mills and overseas customer relationships.
Government gives domestic supply priority
Libya’s Government of National Unity has imposed broad controls on the movement of goods out of the country, banning exports of all agricultural products except dates. Decision No. 493 of 2026, issued by Economy and Trade Minister Suhail Abushihah, also stops exports of locally produced food products and prohibits the re-export of goods previously imported into Libya.
The restrictions will remain in place until domestic market conditions stabilize, according to Okaz and Banker News. The Ministry of Economy and Trade said the measures are intended to increase local availability, protect food security and reduce pressure on consumer prices at a time when the cost of several goods is rising. The policy gives domestic buyers priority over export markets, but the government has not provided a timetable or specific market indicators for lifting the controls.
Import dependence shapes the policy
The decision follows an earlier intervention in April, when Decision No. 191 of 2026 suspended agricultural exports for 90 days while the authorities coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and other agencies. Libya also tightened import procedures from September 30 by barring commercial and resale goods from being supplied outside approved banking channels. Customs clearance is now linked to the completion of banking, commercial and customs requirements.
Food security is a central concern because Libya depends heavily on imports. Food and Agriculture Organization estimates cited by Okaz put the country’s grain import requirement for the 2026-2027 season at about 3.3 million tonnes, compared with expected domestic production of approximately 150,000 tonnes. The gap leaves local availability exposed to import financing, foreign-exchange conditions and the performance of supply chains.
The ministry is coordinating with the Central Bank of Libya and other bodies to increase commercial and strategic stocks of essential goods and maintain import financing. Banker News reported that the effort covers food, grain, oils, medicines, health supplies and agricultural and livestock production inputs. Officials say some categories already have adequate stocks, while inventories of other products are being expanded according to consumption and market requirements.
Dates exempted as olive oil businesses raise concerns
Dates are the only agricultural product expressly exempted from the ban. FAO data cited by Okaz show that Libya produced about 188,000 tonnes of dates in 2023. The crop supports farming, packing, transport and export activities, while producers have previously warned that restrictions could create excess inventories and depress domestic prices when foreign sales channels are unavailable.
Other agricultural supply chains face that risk directly. Businessman Abdulrazak Karima told Al-Saa'a 24 that preventing olive oil exports threatens farmers, mill owners and exporting companies and could cause substantial sector losses. He also warned that Libyan suppliers could lose the confidence of overseas customers. The government must therefore balance additional domestic supply against the danger of weakening production incentives and disrupting commercial relationships that can be difficult to rebuild after a temporary ban ends.
