Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Lebanon's market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds reached 33 902 t, supported by the launch of the National Agriculture Strategy 2020-2025. However, rising production costs and export challenges contributed to a significant contraction the following year, with the market volume falling to 28 497 t in 2019.

The market recovered to 33 374 t in 2020 as the ministry's continued implementation of the national strategy helped sustain local farmer output despite COVID-19 related supply chain disruptions. This rebound was reversed in 2021 when severe economic pressure and soaring inflation reduced consumer purchasing power, driving the market down to 29 978 t.

Food price inflation, which reached 198% in early 2022, further suppressed consumption, lowering the market volume to 28 621 t. The adoption of Competition Law No. 281/2022 also introduced new regulations for the agricultural sector. By 2023, the market stabilized at 28 499 t, marking an end to the period of sequential declines.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Lebanon's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rebounded in 2020 after two consecutive years of decline. The country produced 32 913 tonnes that year, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 18.7%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 27 722 tonnes, which also saw the sharpest drop of 19.4% during this timeframe.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Lebanon exported 488 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 7.1%, averaging an annual decline of 2.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 465 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 655 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 29.0% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2018 with a 24.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates consistently dominated Lebanon's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, accounting for 86.5% of the total volume. This high concentration highlights a market with a few major buyers and numerous smaller ones.

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 exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached 598 thousand US dollars in 2020, up 6.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The most notable decline was in 2019, with a 1.2% decrease.

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

During 2017–2020, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were the primary buyers of Lebanese pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, together making up 87.3% of total exports. Other trading partners played a much smaller role in this market.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Lebanon showed considerable volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports totaled 949 tonnes, a 23.4% decrease from 2019. The lowest import level was in 2018 at 170 tonnes, which also experienced the steepest decline of 90.6%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a dramatic rise of 628.1%. The period from 2017 to 2018 saw extreme fluctuations, with a peak-to-trough difference of 10.7 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria was the key and nearly exclusive source for Lebanon's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, accounting for 90.5% of the total volume.

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 import value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds exhibited notable fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. In 2020, imports amounted to 514 thousand US dollars, a sharp year-on-year decline of 36.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 184 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 90.7%. The most substantial increase was in 2019, with a surge of 342.2%. Imports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with a 10.7-fold difference between these years.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Syria remained the dominant and almost sole supplier for Lebanon's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, holding a 90.4% share.

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

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