Exports decrease by ten percent

Industrial and agricultural exports decreased by ten percent in the first half of the year, registering $2.05 billion compared to $2.3 billion in the same period of 2014, according to the Customs.

The value of exports in tons remained stable, registering 1.2 million tons in the first half of 2014 and 2015.

Exports of prepared foodstuffs and beverages reached $270 million in the first six months, decreasing by three percent, compared to the same period of 2014. Mounir Bissat, Chairman of the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries, said: “The prices of several raw materials and oils decreased this year, this contributed to the decrease in the value of exports in dollars.” The value of exports in tons increased from 170,000 tons in the first half of 2014 compared to 185,000 tons this year.

Exports of plastics reached $70 million compared to $80 million in 2014. Mineral products exported accounted for $137 million in the first half, compared to $222 million in the same period last year, dropping by around 39 percent, although the amounts exported increased from 251,000 tons in 2014 to 253,000 tons this year.

Exports of vegetable products decreased by around five percent to reach $81 million in the first half of the year. The value of vegetable exports in tons decreased from 188,000 tons last year to 164,000 tons this year. Ibrahim Tarchichi, Head of the Association of Bekaa Farmers, said that this was due to the closure of the Syrian-Jordanian Nassib border.