Lebanon Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in lebanon, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Automotive
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Overview 

The size of the automotive market in Lebanon has declined with total imports valued at nearly $850 million in 2024, down from $1.2 billion in 2023, according to Lebanese Customs. U.S. automotive exports to Lebanon  reached $130 million in 2024, representing 15.3 percent of total Lebanese automotive imports. The automotive market includes new cars, used cars, and automotive spare parts. Automotive imports declined between 2023 and 2024 largely as a result of an increase in the tariff rate imposed by the Lebanese government in May 2023. 
 

 Table: Automotive Chart, Total Market Size

 

 

2022

2023 

2024 

2025 (Estimated)

Total Local Production

 0000

Total Exports

 $45 million$391 million$461 million$461 million

Total Imports

 $1,999 million$1,234 million$850 million$850 million

Imports from the US

 $464 million$256 million$130 million$130 million

Total Market Size

 $ 1,954 million$769 million$769 million$850 million


(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Units: $ U.S. Dollars, LBP Lebanese Pounds
Source: Lebanese Customs statistics – Section 17 for 2023-2024 data; local importers for 2023-2024 data
 

Leading Sub-sectors

Lebanese consumers continue to favor more affordable used cars rather than new cars. The electric vehicle market is projected to grow, and in Lebanon, Chinese car brands are increasingly competitive, especially in EV/tech offerings, as people look for cheaper options amid economic constraints. However, American car brands still dominate in many segments, especially for large Sport Utilitiy Vehicles (SUVs), trucks, and prestige brands.  American brands are associated with reliability, strong after-sales, and enjoy greater brand trust. Demand for U.S.-made SUVs will persist because of their superior ability to withstand the poor road quality conditions throughout the country, more competitive price, higher quality, and longer record of success in the market. Moreover, demand for U.S. automotive parts such as brakes, clutches, engine lubricants, and safety accessories will continue because of the demonstrated quality advantage of U.S. parts over foreign competitors. 

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 and identify opportunities in Lebanon. Moreover, the U.S. Commercial Service organizes events and exhibitions to promote U.S. products and services in Beirut.

Resources

Lebanese Customs Administration

U.S. Commercial Service
Contact for the Commercial Section that covers the automotive sector: Jeanine Sabaji, Commercial Assistant, Email: Jeanine Sabaji@trade.gov

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