Frozen potatoes market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen potatoes in Lebanon experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 11 894 metric tons in 2018, domestic consumption dipped to 10 649 tons in 2019 and further to 9 152 tons in 2020. This contraction was followed by a steady recovery, with the market volume reaching 10 631 tons in 2021, 11 800 tons in 2022, and finally 13 303 tons in 2023, surpassing the initial level.

The rebound from 2021 onward coincided with increased domestic production, which rose from 13 497 tons in 2021 to 14 802 tons in 2023. During this period, Lebanese authorities moved to formalize the market for frozen potatoes. In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry and Trade pledged to regulate imports of frozen potatoes, requiring importers to obtain licenses similar to other agricultural goods. This step aimed to align import volumes with domestic needs and local production availability. Concurrently, wholesale potato prices faced upward pressure due to a shortage of Syrian labor, which raised farming costs and contributed to higher consumer prices.

Entering 2024, the regulatory focus continued. The Minister of Agriculture announced a halt to imports of Egyptian potatoes to alleviate losses for local farmers in the Akkar plain. Furthermore, new municipal and supply legislation imposed storage and distribution requirements on grocery stores and supermarkets for food items, including frozen potatoes, adding new constraints to supply chains. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to shield domestic producers and steer the frozen potato market.

Production frozen potatoes in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon ranked 22nd globally in frozen potato production.

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2017-2020

Lebanon's frozen potato production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 14,765 tonnes, marking a 21.2% increase from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, production rose by 26.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

Exports frozen potatoes from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's frozen potato exports expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 5,614 tonnes, a surge of 265.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports skyrocketed by 3,568.2%, with an average annual increase of 232.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia were the primary destinations for Lebanon's frozen potato exports by volume. Kuwait accounted for 24.3% of exports, Qatar for 23.7%, and Saudi Arabia for 16.7%, together making up 64.8% of total export volume.

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

Lebanon's frozen potato export value rose for the third straight year. In 2020, exports totaled $1,676 thousand, a sharp jump of 242.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 span, export value climbed by 1,066.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 126.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait were the top buyers of Lebanese frozen potatoes by value. Qatar represented 21.1% of export value, the UAE 18.2%, and Kuwait 17.1%, collectively comprising 56.5% 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 frozen potatoes to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's frozen potato import volume fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports dropped to 1 tonne, down 52.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import volume plummeted by 97.6%, with an average annual decline of 71.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States and Egypt dominated Lebanon's frozen potato imports by volume, together accounting for 90.3% of the total. Other countries made up the remaining share, each with smaller contributions.

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 frozen potato import value decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to $1 thousand, a dramatic 75.9% drop year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value plunged by 98.4%, averaging an annual reduction of 75.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Egypt were the leading sources for Lebanon's frozen potato imports by value, jointly representing 89.7% of total import value. Other countries accounted for the rest.

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

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