Lebanon - AutomotiveLebanon - Automotive
Overview
The size of the automotive market in Lebanon grew decreased by 12 percent in 2018, with total imports valued at $1.659 billion. U.S. automotive exports to Lebanon increased by 5 percent in 2018 to reach $343 million, representing 20 percent of total Lebanese automotive imports.
Despite the slowdown in the automotive sector, this sector is still considered a leading sector for U.S. exports given that U.S. automotive exports ranked second in 2018 in terms of total automotive exports to Lebanon behind Germany and ahead of Japan.
Table 2: Automotive Chart
2017 | 2018 | 2019 (Estimate) | 2020 (Projection) | |
Total Local Production | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Exports | $22 million | $23 million | $30 million | $30 million |
Total Imports | $1.883 billion | $1.659 billion | $1.188 billion | $1.188 billion |
Imports from the U.S. | $362 million | $343 million | $222 million | $222 million |
Total Market Size | $1.861 billion | $1.636 billion | $1.158 billion | $1.158 billion |
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 17
Leading Sub-Sectors
Demand for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Lebanon is growing. According to private sector sources, around 10 percent of cars imported into Lebanon are SUVs. Demand is expected to increase due to the SUV's ability to withstand poor road quality conditions throughout the country. The Lebanese buy U.S. SUVs because of their competitive price, high quality, and long record of success in the market. Moreover, the demand for U.S. automotive parts such as brakes, clutches, engine lubricants, and safety accessories is increasing because of the demonstrated quality advantage of U.S. parts as compared to foreign competitors.
Despite the slowdown in the automotive sector, this sector is still considered a leading sector for U.S. exports given that U.S. automotive exports ranked second in 2018 in terms of total automotive exports to Lebanon behind Germany and ahead of Japan.
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 and identify opportunities in Lebanon. Moreover, the U.S. Commercial Service organizes events and exhibitions to promote U.S. products and services in Beirut.
Web Resources
Lebanese Customs Administration
U.S. Commercial Service
Contact for the Commercial Section that covers the automotive sector: Naaman Tayyar, Head of Commercial section, Email: Naaman.Tayyar@trade.gov.