Foreign trade grows

China and Syria on top for the first time

Foreign trade activity saw a relatively good performance in the first half of 2013.

Imports totaled $10.8 billion, similar to figures for the same period in 2012. Exports represented $2.3 billion, up by seven percent. The value of transits reached $232 million, up by 36 percent year-on-year.

Pearls, precious, and semi-precious stones topped exports with a total value of $537 million. Mineral products came second with $318 million. Fuel exports in particular increased due to additional demand in Syria, supplied through Lebanon.

Exports at the Port of Beirut were up by 44 percent after goods usually transported by land through Syria were redirected to maritime routes. Imports at the Port increased by seven percent compared to the same period last year.

For the first time ever, China was the top exporter to Lebanon with a bill of $953 million. The United States came in second with $888 million, followed by Italy with $834 million. France was fourth with $759 million, followed by Russia with $653 million, up by 200 percent.

Syria also topped export destinations for the first time with $391 million, rising by 166 percent relatively to 2012.

Customs revenues at end-June 2013 stood at $741 million, down by five percent from H1, 2012. VAT revenues totaled $685 million, down by six percent.



Reported by Joelle Nassar