Shelled almonds market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for shelled almonds in Lebanon declined from 16 373 tons in 2018 to 11 319 tons in 2020. This contraction was driven by limited investment in agricultural technology, reduced state support for farmers, and a deepening economic crisis that constrained farmers' access to production inputs and weakened consumer purchasing power.

A partial recovery followed, with the market reaching 12 456 tons in 2021 and 13 948 tons in 2023, though it faced volatility from soaring food inflation—which reached 208% by late 2023—and security conditions that disrupted sales and distribution. Imports, a key component of supply, rose to 4 119 tons in 2024, reflecting persistent demand despite ongoing challenges such as climate change impacts, regional conflicts, and poverty affecting 44% of the population.

Regulatory efforts, including a seed-trade bill that lacked clear GMO definitions and the National Agricultural Strategy 2020‑2025, aimed to support the sector, but implementation has been hindered by economic and political instability.

Production shelled almonds in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Lebanon ranked as the 14th largest producer of shelled almonds from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

Lebanon's production of shelled almonds declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9 660 tonnes, marking an 8.0% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 12 690 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 17.3% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 3.6%.

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

Exports shelled almonds from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's exports of shelled almonds grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 81 tonnes, a substantial 90.9% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 5 152.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 274.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, India, and Greece were the key export partners for Lebanon's shelled almonds in terms of volume. Tunisia accounted for 20.9% of exports, India for 19.7%, and Greece for 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 53.7% 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

Lebanon's export value of shelled almonds increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 413 thousand US dollars, showing a solid 15.2% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 3 441.6%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 228.4%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, India, and Greece led the export structure in value terms. Tunisia held a 25.7% share, India 13.3%, and Greece 11.8%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 50.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports shelled almonds to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon imported 1 739 tonnes of shelled almonds in 2020, reflecting a sharp 56.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 56.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -24.3%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 4 026 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Lebanon's imports of shelled almonds in volume, capturing 88.6% of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively minor 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

In 2020, Lebanon's import value of shelled almonds was 11 582 thousand US dollars, down by 60.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 57.2%, averaging an annual decline of 24.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 29 165 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 8.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States was the dominant player in Lebanon's import value of shelled almonds, accounting for 88.5% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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