Milk and cream market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for milk and cream in Lebanon fell sharply from 379.5 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 234.1 thousand tonnes in 2023, a contraction of over 38%. This decline was mirrored by domestic production, which dropped from 363.8 thousand tonnes to 230.2 thousand tonnes over the same period, while imports remained at a low level compared to local output.

By 2023, the market's downward trend continued as Lebanese consumers, facing significantly reduced purchasing power, increasingly opted for cheaper imported alternatives. Lower-cost Syrian milk and cream gained a stronger foothold, pressuring local producers. This shift was facilitated by informal cross-border trade and ongoing trade negotiations between Lebanon and Syria, which affected customs duties and tax conditions for dairy imports.

Production milk and cream in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk and cream, 2017-2020

Lebanon's milk and cream production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 308.9 thousand tons, which represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8%, averaging an annual decline of 2.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 363.8 thousand tons, with an 8.3% increase that year. However, the largest drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 14.4%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's milk and cream exports have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 22 tons, marking a significant year-on-year decline of 55.1%. From 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 98%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 72.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Qatar was the dominant destination for Lebanon's milk and cream exports in volume terms, accounting for 93.0% of the total 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

The value of milk and cream exports from Lebanon has fallen for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 76 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp decrease of 60.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 89.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -53.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar was the leading buyer of milk and cream from Lebanon in value terms, representing 75.8% of total exports. Other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's milk and cream imports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 2 093 tons, reflecting a substantial contraction of 69.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 82.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -44.4%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 501 tons, which saw a 35.5% increase that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, France, and Denmark were the top sources for Lebanon's milk and cream imports in volume terms. Saudi Arabia led with 58.5% of imports, followed by France at 16.8% and Denmark at 15.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 90.3% of total import flows.

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 value of milk and cream imports into Lebanon has decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 6 361 thousand US dollars, representing a 58.4% reduction from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 60.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -26.4%. The highest import value was in 2018 at 19 176 thousand US dollars, which experienced a 20.2% increase that year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, France, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia were the main suppliers of milk and cream to Lebanon in value terms. France accounted for 31.4% of imports, Denmark for 27.2%, and Saudi Arabia for 23.6%. Collectively, these three countries made up 82.2% of total import value.

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

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