Lebanon - ApparelLebanon - Apparel
Overview
Traditionally, Arab tourists and Lebanese expatriates drive robust retail apparel sales in Lebanon. However, regional instability and the Syrian spillover has led to a decrease in the number of Arab tourists visiting Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Franchise Association (LFA), sales in the clothing and fashion industry decreased by 10.67% in 2018 compared to 2017.
According to Lebanese Customs statistics, U.S. apparel exports to Lebanon reached $7.3 million in 2018, compared to $11 million in 2017, constituting around two 1.4 percent of total apparel imports to Lebanon. A range of U.S. brands are available in the Lebanese market, including American Eagle Outfitters, GAP, Gymboree, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Nautica, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rock and Republic, 7 for All Mankind, Steve Madden, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, True Religion and Under Armour.
Table 1: Apparel Chart
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (Estimate) | 2020 (Projection) | |
| Total Local Production | $210 million | $210 million | $210 million | $210 million |
| Total Exports | $44 million | $33 million | $24million | $24 million |
| Total Imports | $521 million | $504 million | $420 million | $420 million |
| Imports from the U.S. | $11 million | $7.3 million | $7.8 million | $7.8 million |
| Total Market Size | $687 million | $681 million | $606 million | $606 million |
| Exchange Rates | LBP1507.5 | LBP1507.5 | LBP1507.5 | LBP1507.5 |
(total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Units: $ millions
Source: Lebanese Customs statistics – Section 11 / Chapters 61, 62
Leading Sub-Sectors
Demand for casual wear in Lebanon is high. Consequently, the demand for U.S. apparel is expected to grow, as many Lebanese consider U.S. brands to be the leader in casual wear, according to industry specialists.
Lebanese buyers regularly travel to the Magic Apparel Show in Las Vegas and the Coterie Show in New York to explore the latest trends in the U.S. fashion industry.
Opportunities
The U.S. Commercial Service provides a wide range of services, including Gold Key Service (GKS) and International Partnership Search (IPS), which help U.S. companies explore opportunities in Lebanon. Moreover, the U.S. Commercial Service organizes events and exhibitions, including "Taste of America," to promote U.S. products and services in Lebanon.
Web Resources
Lebanese Customs Administration
Lebanese Franchise Association
Contact for the Commercial Section that covers the apparel sector: Naaman Tayyar, Head of Commercial Section, Email: Naaman.Tayyar@trade.gov.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.