Barley market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market in Lebanon reached its peak volume of 107 041 t in 2019, driven by the government's Grains and Pulses Food Security Program. This initiative, focused on expanding cultivated areas and increasing the number of farmers using high-yield certified varieties, boosted domestic barley production from 22 519 t in 2018 to 27 463 t in 2019, offsetting a decline in imports.

A sharp economic and social crisis in 2020 severely impacted consumer behavior, limiting purchases to essential needs and causing the market volume to drop to 80 945 t. Over the next two years, the market stabilized around 79 580 t in 2021 and grew to 83 463 t in 2022, supported by continued state efforts to increase supplies and stabilize prices for staple grains, which maintained production levels.

In 2023, the market contracted further to 67 055 t as a deepening economic crisis, reflected in stagnant real estate markets and rising food prices, reduced purchasing power and consumption. For 2024, the Central Bank's move to unify the exchange rate affected agricultural production costs, while the food security program continued with plans to expand planted areas and barley output.

Production barley in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Lebanon's barley production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 33 281 tonnes of barley, which represents a 21.2% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 6.4%, averaging an annual decline of 2.2%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 519 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 36.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports barley from Lebanon

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for barley showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.2 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 5.7 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic 30-fold fluctuation. The 2020 export volume marked an extraordinary increase of 2,647.2% compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 91.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon's barley exports were dominated by three key markets: Free Zones, Jordan, and Qatar. Together, these destinations accounted for 92.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values demonstrated significant volatility throughout the observed period. The lowest point came in 2018 at 39 thousand US dollars, while 2020 saw peak exports of 1 233 thousand US dollars, creating a 32-fold difference. The 2020 value represented a remarkable 2,046.1% increase over the previous year. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2018, falling by 89.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lebanon in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Free Zones (51.6% of export value), Jordan (21.8%), and Qatar (20.1%) remained Lebanon's primary barley export markets in value terms. Collectively, these three destinations represented 93.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Lebanon in value, 2017-2020

Imports barley to Lebanon

Imports in kind, K t

Lebanon's barley imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 53.4 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp 33.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 52.1%, with an average annual decline of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Ukraine were the primary sources for Lebanon's barley imports, accounting for the majority of import volumes. Other markets played a less significant role in Lebanon's import structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Lebanon's barley import values decreased for the third straight year. In 2020, imports amounted to 11 412 thousand US dollars, representing a 32.2% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import values declined by 46.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 19.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lebanon in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Russia and Ukraine dominated Lebanon's barley imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 84.1% of total import flows. The remaining imports were distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Lebanon in value, 2017-2020