Treenuts market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The Lebanese treenuts market volume showed considerable fluctuation from 2018 to 2023, starting at a high of 51 632 tons before contracting sharply to 27 025 tons in 2020. This decline coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted transport and supply chains, temporarily suspending trade flows. However, persistent demand for nuts as health-supporting snacks helped stabilize the market, which held around 27 000 tons in 2021 before beginning a recovery.

Specific initiatives and trends played key roles. In 2018, the Ministry of Industry provided training programs to help local processors meet international export standards, bolstering Lebanon's reputation for quality and supporting continued sales to markets like the US, Canada, China, and the EU. From 2022, a global shift toward healthy snacking and the launch of new flavored and pasteurized nut products by major companies stimulated demand, helping to counterbalance the dampening effect of Lebanon's severe economic crisis on domestic purchasing power.

By 2023, the market structure became more dynamic with the entry of new brands and a stronger focus on unsalted varieties driven by health-conscious trends. Lebanese brands expanded their regional presence, notably in the UAE where over 49 nut brands are available. This occurred alongside a growing global nut market, valued at $62.8 billion, supported by widespread consumer awareness of health benefits, which provided a favorable context for Lebanon's production and export activities.

Production treenuts in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of treenuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of treenuts, 2017-2020

Lebanon's treenuts production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 17,428 tonnes of treenuts, representing a significant year-on-year decrease of 21.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 57.8%, with an average annual decline of 25.0%.

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

Exports treenuts from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with the highest volume being 7.9 times greater than the lowest. In 2020, Lebanon exported 1,671 tonnes of treenuts, marking a substantial increase of 111.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 212 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 4.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 272.8%.

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

The structure of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of trading partners. Turkey accounted for 18.0% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 16.1%, and Saudi Arabia for 15.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.1% of total export flows, with the remaining 50.9% distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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, M $ US

Lebanon's treenuts exports in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 20.0 million US dollars, equivalent to a sharp rise of 328.3% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 1,080.3%, translating to an annualized rate of 127.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates were the key partners in exports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 50.7% of exports in value, Italy for 15.4%, and the United Arab Emirates for 7.2%. Collectively, these three countries made up 73.3% 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 treenuts to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Lebanon's treenuts imports amounted to 11,268 tonnes, showing a contraction of 46.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 36.9%, with an average annual decline of 14.2%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 21,121 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 27.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for imports in kind were the United States, Vietnam, and Turkey. Together, they accounted for 60.3% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

Lebanon's treenuts imports in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 48.6 million US dollars, representing a 57.1% decrease from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 62.5%, with an average annual decline of 27.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Iran, and Vietnam accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms. The United States represented 27.8% of imports in value, Iran 20.0%, and Vietnam 19.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 67.7% of total import flows.

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

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