Historically, regional tourists and Lebanese expatriates have been key drivers of Lebanon’s retail apparel and footwear sector. With an improving retail landscape and sustained demand for international brands, U.S. apparel remains a notable player in Lebanon’s fashion market.
According to Lebanese Customs statistics, U.S. apparel and footwear exports to Lebanon reached $9 million in 2024, down from $12 million in 2023. These exports accounted for approximately 1.4 percent of total apparel imports to Lebanon. Meanwhile, local production is estimated to comprise10% of the market, according to industry experts.
A range of U.S. brands continue to maintain a presence in the Lebanese market, including Levi’s, 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. Additionally, Alo Yoga brand, entered the Lebanese market in March 2025, further diversifying the retail landscape.
Table 1: Apparel Chart
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Estimated) | |
Total Local Production | $57 million | $ 51 million | $51 million | $51 million | |
Total Exports | $55 million | $55 million | $45 million | $45 million | |
Total Imports | $579 million | $666 million | $634 million | $634 million | |
Imports from the US | $9 million | $12 million | $9 million | $9 million | |
Total Market Size | $581 million | $531 million | $531 million | ||
Exchange Rates | LBP15,000 | LBP89,500 | LBP89,500 | LBP89,500 |
(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Units: $ U.S. Dollars, LBP Lebanese Pounds
Source: Lebanese Customs statistics – Section 11 – 12 for 2023-2024 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
- U.S. Commercial Service
Contact for the Commercial Section that covers the apparel sector: Jeanine Sabaji, Commercial Assistant Email: Jeanine Sabaji@trade.gov