Justice Minister Adel Nassar has appointed a panel of judicial investigators to reopen Lebanon’s most sensitive political assassination cases, in what is seen as a decisive step to end the long-standing culture of impunity in the country.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Since the ceasefire following Israel’s last conflict with Lebanon in November 2024, Israel has continued to target Hezbollah operatives with precision strikes, largely using advanced surveillance and intelligence technologies, according to military and strategic sources.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Nearly a year after the end of Syria’s civil war and the fall of the Assad dictatorship, the country has embarked on a long and complex reconstruction process. The destruction is staggering: entire neighborhoods lie in rubble and basic infrastructure (roads, power grids, and water systems) has collapsed, and public institutions are dysfunctional. Millions of Syrians remain displaced inside and outside the country, schools and hospitals are incapacitated, and what remains of the economy is crippled by unemployment, inflation, and the lingering impact of sanctions (even as many have lately been eased). Ongoing sectarian violence and a deepening humanitarian disaster, with more than 14.5 million Syrians facing food insecurity, compound the crisis. As the international community re-engages in Syria, reconstruction will require many hundreds of billions of dollars in aid and investment as well as assistance to restore governance, security, and stability.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Recently, during the session of a Lebanese parliamentary committee on a new election law, two of the country’s Shiite parliamentarians, one from Hezbollah and the second from the Amal Movement, floated an idea the government in Beirut should examine closely. The two MPs, Ali Fayyad and Ali Hassan Al Khalil, called for reform of the political system and full implementation of all the stipulations of the Taif Accord of 1989 – the agreement that ended Lebanon’s civil war and sought to update its confessional political model.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the club expects to learn the outcome of the hearing into its 115 charges of alleged Premier League financial rule breaches "in one month".
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from football, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden career that included five UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Friday, February 7, 2025
Friday 10 October 2025 10:39:27
In a world increasingly defined by trade wars, tariffs, and import restrictions, Lebanon’s heavy reliance on a narrow set of export markets is raising concerns among economists and policymakers.
Even countries not directly involved in global trade conflicts cannot escape the ripple effects on supply chains. When major markets close their doors or impose new restrictions, goods often seek alternative destinations, sometimes at lower prices, creating competition for domestic products. Tariffs and import controls can also be applied broadly, affecting a wide range of countries.
Lebanon’s export pattern is highly concentrated. According to Lebanese Customs data for the first seven months of 2025, Switzerland accounted for nearly 23% of the country’s exports, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 17%, while Egypt trailed at just 4.25%.
This means that nearly 40% of Lebanon’s exports go to just two destinations, which makes the country highly vulnerable. Any disruption in these markets or changes to their import policies could have an immediate impact on the country’s total exports and trade balance.
The concentration is tied to the nature of Lebanon’s exports. Precious metals, stones, and jewelry account for around 37% of total exports.
However, the issue runs deeper: Lebanon’s exports are not only concentrated geographically but also economically, being focused largely on one specific category of goods. This means that any downturn in global demand for precious metals and jewelry would directly impact Lebanon’s total exports and widen its trade deficit.
Interestingly, Lebanon imports about $1.75 billion worth of precious metals, jewelry, and gemstones each year, while exporting roughly $789 million worth of the same. This pattern suggests that many Lebanese firms import raw or semi-finished precious materials, then re-export them, often after minimal processing, to low-tariff markets. While this sustains trade, it contributes little to local job creation or broader economic development.
Moreover, the global spotlight on money laundering and financial crimes linked to precious metals and gemstones could lead to tighter regulations, potentially limiting market access and further affecting Lebanon’s trade figures.
These realities underscore a key imperative: Lebanon must diversify its exports, which in turn requires a broader diversification of the country’s productive sectors.
On the import side, Lebanon's sources are far more diversified. China tops the list at 11.65%, followed by Greece (8.52%), Egypt (7%), Turkey (6.8%) and the UAE (6.69%). Together, the top three sources make up just over 27% of imports, reflecting a geographically diversified supply base across Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
Yet, despite this diversification, Lebanon’s trade deficit continues to grow. By the end of July, it had reached $9.34 billion, up from $8.31 billion in the same period last year, largely due to a 15% rise in imports.
Ultimately, while the reopening of markets and regional trade adjustments may offer short-term relief, Lebanon’s long-term economic resilience depends on one crucial factor: its ability to diversify both its export markets and the nature of what it produces.
