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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Pharmaceuticals
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Lebanon imports approximately 70 percent of its pharmaceutical products and produces approximately 30 percent locally, according to local manufacturers. According to Lebanese Customs, total pharmaceutical imports into Lebanon reached $737 million in 2024, of which $87 million were from the United States. Local production is mainly focused on manufacturing drugs under license for international companies. In 2024, the United States ranked first in Lebanon’s total import of pharmaceuticals (11.8 percent), surpassing Germany (11.66 percent), France (8.95 percent), and Switzerland (7.19 percent). Local pharmaceutical companies are trying to increase domestic production of medication to substitute for imports. 

Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis has resulted in a shortage of critical medication. The Central Bank of Lebanon, since October 2019, has subsidized imports of pharmaceuticals to Lebanon. However, the Central Bank reduced the amount of U.S. dollars (USD) available for these subsidies, resulting in massive shortages as well as higher prices for certain medications. High production costs, a weak regulatory framework, and counterfeit drugs are additional challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry in Lebanon. Lebanon is expected to remain dependent on imports of pharmaceutical products. 
 

Table: Pharmaceuticals Chart, Market Size

 

 

2022

2023 

2024 

2025 (Estimated)

Total Local Production

 $165 million$150 million$150 millionNot available

Total Exports

 $44 million$29 million$47 million$47 million

Total Imports

 $552 million$621 million$737 million$737 million

Imports from the US

 $58 million$64 million$87 million$87 million

Total Market Size

 $673 million$626 million$626 millionNot available

Exchange Rates

 LBP15,000LBP89,500LBP89,500LBP89,500

(Total market size = (total local production + imports) – exports)
Units: $ U.S. Dollars, LBP Lebanese Pounds
Source: Lebanese Customs statistics –Chapter 30 for 2023-2024 data; local importers for 2023-2024 data
 

Leading Sub-sectors

According to local experts, U.S. pharmaceutical products have an advantage over European and Asian products in the biotechnology, high-tech, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular fields. Moreover, new leading American drugs that are not yet manufactured in Europe are typically well received in Lebanon. 

Opportunities

There are no specific opportunities or trade events in Lebanon geared to promote U.S. pharmaceutical products. 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.

Resources

Ministry of Public Health
Lebanese Customs Administration
U.S. Commercial Service
Contact for the Commercial Section that covers the pharmaceuticals/drugs sector: Naaman Tayyar, Head of Commercial Section, Email: Naaman.Tayyar@trade.gov.

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