Cherries market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The Lebanese cherry market volume declined from 35,671 t in 2018 to 24,859 t in 2020. This contraction was driven by recurring climate-related challenges, including early fruit spoilage and cherry worm infestations that reduced yields, compounded by the onset of a severe economic crisis in 2020 which drastically curtailed consumer purchasing power. Rising production costs due to the depreciation of the Lebanese pound further strained farmers in 2019.

From 2021 onward, the market began a gradual recovery. Initiatives such as home-preservation associations expanding into cherry drying and jam-making helped stimulate additional demand. The launch of the National Cherry Export Qualification Program in 2022, alongside local promotional events like 'Cherry Days,' bolstered domestic and international interest in Lebanese cherries. Despite ongoing climate pressures that sometimes left fruit unharvested, local consumption rose substantially by 2023, lifting the market volume to 28,609 t.

Production cherries in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Lebanon was among the world's top cherry producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 20th globally by production volume.

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

Lebanon's cherry production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 30 364 tonnes of cherries, representing a 7.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 32.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 12.2%.

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

Exports cherries from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 8.2-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2018. In 2020, Lebanon exported 5 525 tonnes of cherries, marking a substantial 10.5% decline from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 751 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 6 172 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, falling by 24.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, surging by 721.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait were consistently the main destinations for Lebanon's cherry exports by volume. Saudi Arabia accounted for 27.5% of exports, Egypt for 19.6%, and Kuwait for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 62.0% 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

In 2020, Lebanon exported cherries worth 3 331 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 22.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, exports increased by 19%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 780 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 4 277 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 53.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan were the primary buyers of Lebanese cherries by value. Saudi Arabia accounted for 30.7% of export value, Kuwait for 15.9%, and Jordan for 13.3%. Collectively, these three markets made up 59.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cherries to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied dramatically, with a 503-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Lebanon imported 20 tonnes of cherries, a sharp drop of 98.7% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 533 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 7 049.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria was the primary source of cherry imports to Lebanon, accounting for 96.3% of total import volume.

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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values showed a 53-fold variation between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Lebanon's cherry imports totaled 14 thousand US dollars, a steep decrease of 96.3% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 379 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 1 250.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Syria dominated Lebanon's cherry import partner structure by value, holding an 82.5% share of total flows. Other markets had relatively modest shares.

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

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