Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for household and sanitary paper in Lebanon expanded gradually, with total volume increasing from 78 930 t to 80 581 t while domestic production remained steady at 67 000 t annually. The period was marked by stable supply and growing consumption, supported by consistent import levels.

A contraction occurred in 2021 and 2022, reducing market size to 76 825 t. This decline was driven by a tougher business environment for paper converters, where lower profitability and intense efforts by companies to defend their market shares constrained overall sector growth and investment.

The market rebounded in 2023, reaching 79 502 t, as positive expectations and fierce local competition pushed firms to adopt advanced technology and meet global quality standards. Companies like Frenix and Berla strengthened their positions through workforce training and exports. By 2024, a significant rise in imports to 17 354 t indicated renewed expansion, fueled by growing health and hygiene awareness, new investments, and exposure to fully automated production lines showcased at international industry exhibitions.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

In 2020, Lebanon produced 67 000 tonnes of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, showing virtually no change from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Lebanon's production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 66 394 thousand US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 1.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 16.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.9%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 89 367 thousand US dollars. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a 24.5% decline, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 12.3%.

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

Exports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during this period. In 2017, exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Lebanon hit their lowest point, while the peak was in 2019, with a 9.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 415 tonnes, representing a significant year-over-year drop of 75.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 695 tonnes, with the largest increase also in 2019, at 811.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Saudi Arabia, Panama, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for 78.3% of Lebanon's total exports in kind of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets.

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

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Exports varied eightfold from the low in 2017 to the high in 2019. In 2020, exports amounted to 411 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp year-over-year decrease of 75.9%. The highest value was in 2019 at 1 706 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2019, at 588.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Panama, and the United Kingdom formed the core group of markets for Lebanon's exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia accounted for 53.2% of exports, Panama for 14.0%, and the United Kingdom for 8.7%, together representing 75.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets into Lebanon declined. In 2020, the import volume was 13 996 tonnes, showing a modest decrease of 3.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 18.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.8%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 14 499 tonnes, with the largest increase also in 2019, at 19.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt and Turkey were the primary partners for Lebanon's imports in kind, together making up 81.0% of total flows, while other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

Imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets into Lebanon declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 16 744 thousand US dollars, reflecting a limited decrease of 8.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 16 744 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was also in 2018, at 15.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt and Turkey jointly absorbed 80.8% of Lebanon's total imports in value terms of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, with the rest distributed among smaller markets.

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

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