Overview
Traditionally, regional tourists and Lebanese expatriates drove robust retail apparel and footwear sales in Lebanon. With the removal of most COVID-19 movement restrictions, global tourism has rebounded, and additional tourists have traveled to Lebanon. Consequently, experts predict sales in apparel will regain historical averages in the coming few years.
According to Lebanese Customs statistics, U.S. apparel and footwear exports to Lebanon reached $9 million in 2022, compared to $5 million in 2021, constituting around 1.5 percent of total apparel imports to Lebanon. Market experts estimate local production to be around 10 percent of the market.
A range of U.S. brands are still available in the Lebanese market, including Levi’s, GAP, 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
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023(Estimate) | 2024 (Projection) | |
| Total Local Production | $39 million | $57 million | $ 51 million | $51 million |
| Total Exports | $51 million | $55 million | $40 million | $40 million |
| Total Imports | $393 million | $579 million | $520 million | $520 million |
| Imports from the US | $5 million | $9 million | $8 million | $8 million |
| Total Market Size | $381 million | $581 million | $531 million | $531 million |
| Exchange Rates | LBP15,000 | LBP15,000 | LBP15,000 | LBP15,000 |
(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Units: $ U.S. Dollars, LBP Lebanese Pounds
Source: Lebanese Customs statistics – Section 11 – 12 for 2021-2022 data; local importers for 2023-2024 data
Leading Sub-Sectors
Demand for casualwear in Lebanon remains high. Consequently, there is demand for U.S. apparel, as many Lebanese consider U.S. brands to be the leader in casualwear, according to industry experts.
Lebanese buyers traveled 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 Partner 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.
Resources
Lebanese Customs Administration
Lebanese Apparel and Footwear Importers Association
Contact for the Commercial Section that covers the apparel sector: Jeanine Sabaji, Commercial Assistant Email: Jeanine Sabaji@trade.gov