Poultry meat and offal market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The poultry meat and offal market in Lebanon began the period at 277.5 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by government reforms that injected large quantities of fresh and frozen meat into the supply chain to curb price increases. This was followed by a significant contraction to 245.3 thousand tonnes in 2019, driven primarily by a sharp decline in consumers' purchasing power following the country's economic collapse, which reduced overall meat consumption.

Market volume recovered to 260.9 thousand tonnes in 2020, aided by state measures to cap prices and combat profiteering, alongside announcements of large frozen meat imports to stabilize supply. Growth continued into 2021, reaching 275.4 thousand tonnes, as consumer demand increasingly shifted towards frozen poultry products as a more affordable alternative amid ongoing economic pressures.

The market volume stabilized near 274.2 thousand tonnes in 2022 despite a worsening food crisis, partly due to organized government distributions of fresh poultry during Ramadan to meet seasonal demand. A further increase to 280.1 thousand tonnes occurred in 2023, with authorities arranging special imports to bridge supply gaps exacerbated by Red Sea shipping disruptions, ensuring availability for the Ramadan period.

Production poultry meat and offal in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

Lebanon's poultry meat and offal production reached 261.2 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing a moderate increase of 7.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 242.0 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 271.8 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.0% drop.

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

Exports poultry meat and offal from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their peak in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2017, representing a 4.6-fold difference. In 2020, Lebanon exported 1 994 tonnes of poultry meat and offal, marking a 10.2% decrease from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 220 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 144.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Liberia, Guinea, and Brazil consistently held the top positions in Lebanon's export structure by volume. Liberia accounted for 61.0% of exports, Guinea for 9.2%, and Brazil for 4.7%, together making up 75.0% of total export 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 data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values peaked in 2018 and declined to their lowest level in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 1.8 times. In 2020, Lebanon exported 1 136 thousand US dollars worth of poultry meat and offal, representing a strong increase of 15.9% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 683 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 41.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 77.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Liberia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar consistently led Lebanon's export structure by value. Liberia accounted for 52.9% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 9.0%, and Qatar for 7.3%, together comprising 69.3% of total export 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 poultry meat and offal to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's imports of poultry meat and offal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 1 696 tonnes, marking a decrease of 69.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 87.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 50.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Brazil dominated Lebanon's import structure by volume, accounting for 80.8% of total flows, while other countries contributed relatively small shares.

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 imports of poultry meat and offal from abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 3 043 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt drop of 77.5% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 86.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 48.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil was the key supplier of poultry meat and offal to Lebanon, accounting for 76.1% of total imports by value, while a diverse group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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