Citrus fruit market in Lebanon, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market in Lebanon contracted from 474 000 t in 2018 to 305 000 t in 2021, driven by climate-induced production shortfalls and a severe economic crisis that began in late 2019. Adverse weather patterns, including heatwaves followed by frost, reduced yields in key growing regions like the Bekaa, while the economic downturn eroded consumer purchasing power, making fruits less affordable.

Market volume recovered to 341 000 t by 2023, primarily due to government intervention and export difficulties. A ban on fruit and vegetable exports from March 2022 aimed to secure domestic food supply, redirecting produce to the local market. Persistent challenges in exporting, including transit restrictions through Saudi Arabia, further limited overseas sales in 2023, boosting domestic availability despite continued production declines and high food inflation.

Production citrus fruit in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Lebanon's citrus fruit production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 419.5 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, marking a modest decrease of 8.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 24.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.1%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 812 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 56 194 tonnes, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 5.2 times. In 2020, Lebanon's citrus fruit exports reached 56 194 tonnes, a sharp increase of 84.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 14.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 181.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq were the leading destinations for Lebanon's citrus fruit exports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 33.3% of exports, Kuwait for 28.7%, and Iraq for 9.9%, together making up 72.0% 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

After a two-year decrease, Lebanon's citrus fruit exports in value terms increased. In 2020, exports were recorded at 17 521 thousand US dollars, up by 62.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 53%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 755 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar continued to be the main buyers of Lebanese citrus fruit in value terms. Saudi Arabia accounted for 35.0% of exports, Kuwait for 26.1%, and Qatar for 8.9%, jointly forming 69.9% 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 citrus fruit to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 78 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 4 177 tonnes, showing a 53-fold amplitude. In 2020, Lebanon's imported citrus fruit volumes reached 578 tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 86.2% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5,227.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria remained the dominant source for Lebanon's citrus fruit imports in kind, with a share of 88.7% of total flows, while the remainder was fragmented across other markets.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 106 thousand US dollars, while the high was in 2019 at 1 483 thousand US dollars, with imports varying by 13.9-fold. In 2020, Lebanon's citrus fruit import value tallied 332 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic fall of 77.6% versus the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1,293.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Syria was the main supplier of citrus fruit to Lebanon in value terms, taking 74.6% of total imports, while other partners 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