Cheese and curd market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the cheese and curd market in Lebanon underwent significant changes in both volume and value. Market volume, measured in tonnes, fell sharply from 86 157 t in 2018 to 63 660 t in 2020, before stabilizing around 66 000 t in the following years. In monetary terms, the market value dropped from $461.9 million in 2018 to $303.6 million in 2020, but then recovered strongly to reach $443.9 million by 2023, nearing pre-crisis levels.

This contraction and subsequent recovery were primarily driven by fluctuations in import volumes, which plummeted from over 36 000 t in 2018 to just 14 055 t in 2021. Domestic production remained more resilient, fluctuating between 47 994 t and 51 781 t throughout the period. The drastic import reduction significantly shrank the total market volume, while the later rebound in market value was supported by rising prices or a shift in product mix.

In 2024, import volumes rose to 21 538 t, indicating a potential market expansion. This increase coincided with a severe economic crisis, renewed military conflict, and consequent consumer stockpiling of basic foodstuffs like cheese. Fears of supply disruptions and price hikes led traders to increase imports and consumers to hoard goods, directly boosting short-term demand despite the broader economic hardship.

Production cheese and curd in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

Lebanon's cheese and curd production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 51 781 tonnes. However, in 2020, output fell to 47 994 tonnes, representing a modest 7.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a 16.0% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of cheese and curd production in Lebanon was 232.0 million US dollars, showing a slight 3.0% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value in this period was recorded in 2019 at 225.2 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 283.0 million US dollars. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 20.4%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lebanon in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cheese and curd from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Lebanon's cheese and curd exports declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 571 tonnes, but in 2020, they fell to 429 tonnes, marking a 24.9% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The most substantial increase was recorded in 2019, at 28.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon exported cheese and curd to a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—Iraq (32.2% of exports in volume), Qatar (7.7%), and Côte d'Ivoire (7.6%)—collectively accounted for 47.5% of total exports. The remaining 52.5% was distributed among numerous smaller markets, highlighting the diversity of Lebanon's export destinations.

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, M $ US

Following a two-year advance, the value of Lebanon's cheese and curd exports declined. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 2.5 million US dollars, but in 2020, they dropped to 2.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 16.6% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 2.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 16.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon's cheese and curd exports in value terms were spread across many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Iraq, Qatar, and Côte d'Ivoire—together represented only 46.4% of total export value, indicating a highly diversified export structure.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's cheese and curd imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 36 015 tonnes, but by 2020, they had fallen to 16 095 tonnes, a 46.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 52%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 7.4%.

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

The structure of Lebanon's cheese and curd imports in volume from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. The top three suppliers—Morocco (18.9% of imports in volume), Hungary (14.6%), and France (10.1%)—together accounted for just 43.5% of total imports, with no single country holding a dominant position.

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, M $ US

Lebanon's cheese and curd imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, import value reached its maximum at 181.4 million US dollars, but in 2020, it dropped to 73.6 million US dollars, reflecting a 50.1% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 54%, equating to an annualized rate of -22.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 13.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon's cheese and curd imports in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. The leading suppliers—Morocco (19.5% of import value), Hungary (15.5%), and France (11.0%)—together represented only 46.0% of total imports, underscoring the broad distribution of sources.

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

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