Peaches and nectarines market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Lebanese peaches and nectarines market was shaped by the National Agricultural Strategy 2020-2025 and EU-funded development projects, which encouraged new entrants and expanded production capacity. This drove a steady rise in output from 54 876 t in 2018 to 71 123 t by 2021. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and accelerated government measures to support agricultural exports, leading to a sharp increase in shipments abroad, which reached 18 952 t. Domestic market volume fluctuated during this phase, growing to 56 828 t in 2019 before falling to 50 712 t in 2020 as a larger share of the increased production was directed overseas.

The persistent economic and financial crisis in Lebanon during 2021–2022 raised production and distribution costs, while regulatory changes introduced stricter packaging and labeling requirements aligned with international standards to facilitate exports. These factors, along with interventions by large agricultural companies to bolster supply chains, helped keep exports elevated at 18 874 t in 2022. Consequently, the domestic market shrank to 41 841 t in that year, as more produce was sold abroad and consumer purchasing power was constrained by the economic downturn.

A dramatic shift occurred in 2023 when exports collapsed to 2 291 t while production held stable at 61 848 t. This freed nearly the entire output for local consumption, driving the market volume to a peak of 59 604 t. Underlying trends toward local and organic fresh fruit, noted in earlier years, likely helped sustain domestic demand once export channels contracted.

Production peaches and nectarines in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon ranked as the 27th largest producer of peaches and nectarines globally, placing it among the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

Lebanon's production of peaches and nectarines grew for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 69 560 tonnes—a 9.9% increase from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 54 876 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 20.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest growth, with production rising by 15.4%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of peaches and nectarines from Lebanon showed significant fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, exports reached 18 952 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 173.5% compared to 2019. The lowest point was in 2018 at 2 003 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 10.7%. The most substantial growth occurred in 2019, with a 245.9% rise. Overall, import levels varied dramatically, with a 9.5-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Egypt, and Kuwait were the top destinations for Lebanon's peach and nectarine exports by volume. Iraq accounted for 30.8% of exports, Egypt for 26.0%, and Kuwait for 12.9%. Together, these three countries made up 69.8% of Lebanon's total export flows in this category.

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 export value of peaches and nectarines increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 6 198 thousand US dollars—a 125.3% rise from 2019. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 170.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 39.3%.

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

In terms of value from 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia were the leading markets for Lebanon's peach and nectarine exports. Iraq held a 23.1% share, Kuwait 17.2%, and Saudi Arabia 16.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 56.6% of Lebanon's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports peaches and nectarines to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of peaches and nectarines into Lebanon were highly volatile from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports stood at 104 tonnes, a 76.4% decrease year-over-year. The highest import level was recorded in 2019 at 439 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1 852.8%. The lowest point was in 2017, with imports peaking in 2019 and dropping to that low, resulting in a 21-fold difference between the two years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria dominated Lebanon's imports of peaches and nectarines by volume, accounting for 71.8% of the total. The remaining imports were distributed among a variety of smaller 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 value of Lebanon's peach and nectarine imports exhibited volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports were valued at 48 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep 67.2% decline compared to the previous year. The peak was in 2019 at 147 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 364.0%. The lowest point was in 2017, with a sixfold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Syria, Australia, and Chile were the primary sources for Lebanon's peach and nectarine imports. Syria contributed 46.8% of the import value, Australia 23.6%, and Chile 7.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 77.4% of Lebanon's total import flows in this category.

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

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