Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil in Lebanon increased steadily from 90.1 thousand tonnes to 96.7 thousand tonnes.

A sharp contraction followed in 2021, with the market shrinking to 73.0 thousand tonnes. The market rebounded to 90.1 thousand tonnes in 2022, as strong demand for edible oils and biofuel blending commitments helped maintain actual consumption despite global supply shortages and logistical disruptions linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

Growth continued in 2023, with the market reaching 99.6 thousand tonnes, driven by increasing consumer preference for healthy vegetable oils and sustained global demand and supply pressures.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Lebanon's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions saw growth for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, output reached its peak at 6 163 tons. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 4 883 tons, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 20.8%. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 24.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of Lebanon's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions advanced for two years before experiencing a decline. In 2019, the output value peaked at 7 517 thousand US dollars. By 2020, this had dropped to 5 449 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp year-over-year fall of 27.5%. From 2017 to 2020, the overall production value grew by 16.1%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 28.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lebanon in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached their highest level at 3 585 tons, with a notable increase of 15.3% that year. However, in 2019, exports fell by 22.6%, and by 2020, they had decreased to 2 463 tons, down 11.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, total exports dropped by 20.8%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary buyers of Lebanon's sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in terms of volume. Syria accounted for 33.2% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 23.5%, and the United Arab Emirates for 15.0%. Together, these three countries represented 71.7% of Lebanon's total exports in kind during this period.

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 sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 3 765 thousand US dollars, with a significant increase of 19.1% that year. By 2020, exports had fallen to 2 749 thousand US dollars, down 18.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, total exports decreased by 13%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates remained the key markets for Lebanon's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 71.6% of the 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 sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions increased for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 87 928 tons, with a decline of 6.2% that year. By 2020, imports had risen to 94 241 tons, up 4.7% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Russia dominated Lebanon's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in terms of volume. Together, they accounted for 82.6% of total imports, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

After a two-year decline, Lebanon's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms increased. In 2019, imports reached their lowest level at 74 016 thousand US dollars, with a drop of 14.0% that year. By 2020, imports had rebounded to 83 464 thousand US dollars, up 12.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, total imports decreased by 9%, equating to an average annual decline of 3.1%.

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

In 2017-2020, Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey were the main sources for Lebanon's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms. Ukraine contributed 49.3%, Russia 30.4%, and Turkey 9.4%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 89.1% 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