Grapes market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The Lebanese grape market contracted from 99.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 77.6 thousand tons in 2020, driven by a severe economic downturn that pushed unemployment to 46% and weakened consumer demand. The October 2019 protests triggered political and economic instability, freezing agricultural policy implementation. The following year, the Beirut port explosion damaged economic infrastructure and supply chains, while the Lebanese pound's depreciation raised production and export costs.

Despite ongoing crises, the market began recovering in 2021–2022, with volume reaching 91.7 thousand tons by 2022. Production expanded steadily, hitting 149.7 thousand tons, though the economic crisis and failed recovery plan continued to strain the sector. Changes in central bank policy affected export financing, and the COVID-19 pandemic shifted demand patterns.

In 2023, market volume jumped to 144.3 thousand tons, the highest level in the period. This surge coincided with a sharp drop in grape exports to 8.5 thousand tons, freeing more output for domestic consumption while production held steady at 151.9 thousand tons.

Production grapes in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

Lebanon's grape production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 124.0 K t of grapes, marking a moderate 4.0% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 60.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 17.0%.

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

Exports grapes from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's grape exports have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 47 240 t of grapes, showing a significant 53.7% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 881.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 114.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (32.5% of exports in kind), Oman (14.2% of exports in kind), and Kuwait (11.6% of exports in kind) were the key export partners, collectively accounting for 58.3% of total export volumes.

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 grape exports in monetary terms have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 21 275 K $ US, reflecting a sharp 45.2% increase over the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports rose by 125.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia (31.9% of exports in value terms), Kuwait (12.2% of exports in value terms), and Oman (11.7% of exports in value terms) dominated the export structure, together representing 55.8% 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 grapes to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's grape imports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 905 t of grapes, a 14.0% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 40.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 16.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 581 t. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 33.5% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest sources for grape imports in kind were Iran, Chile, and South Africa, which together accounted for 83.2% of total import volumes.

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 grape imports in monetary terms have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1 303 K $ US, a 47.5% year-on-year decline. Over the period 2017-2020, imports dropped by 56.3%, with a compound annual decline rate (CAGR) of 24.1%. The peak value was in 2018 at 3 509 K $ US, and the largest increase was also in 2018, at 17.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran (42.4% of imports in value terms), Chile (36.2% of imports in value terms), and South Africa (6.5% of imports in value terms) were the main import sources, collectively absorbing 85.1% of total import value for grapes to Lebanon.

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

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