The recent expansion of Israeli airstrikes, which extended to the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, has not only disrupted the movement of Syrian refugees fleeing Lebanon but also hindered land-based imports and exports to and from Lebanon. The strikes have affected travel routes towards key destinations like Jordan, Iraq, the Gulf, and Turkey, further exacerbating the logistical challenges in the region.

The Masnaa crossing is a vital artery for trade and transport, linking Lebanon with the Arab world. However, despite its significance, experts believe that its closure will not lead to a full economic or commercial blockade due to several mitigating factors, an Annahar report said. 

First, the extensive 375-kilometer Lebanese-Syrian border is riddled with dozens of illegal crossings, providing alternative routes for goods to reach Lebanese markets. Secondly, the Arida and Aboudyieh border crossings in northern Lebanon remain operational, with trucks quickly being rerouted through these points, increasing traffic on the northern highway.

Though the closure of the Masnaa crossing is unlikely to have a major impact on Lebanese markets, as most imports come from Western and Asian countries via sea and air, concerns remain about the effect on agricultural exports.

The head of the Bekaa Farmers and Growers Association, Ibrahim Tarchichi, told Annahar that Lebanon’s agricultural exports to Syria, Jordan, and Iraq have been disrupted, though farmers are now using the northern crossings at Arida and Aboudiyeh, albeit at higher transportation costs. What used to be a two-hour journey from Masnaa to Damascus now takes an additional 48 hours via Tripoli and the alternative crossings through Homs.

As Israeli airstrikes continue, particularly in the Bekaa region, known for its agricultural lands, farmers fear for their safety. Tarchichi emphasized that the main concern is not profit but the threat posed to their lives. He warned that if Israeli strikes further damage main roads, large trucks will be unable to transport goods, as they cannot navigate smaller, secondary roads.

According to Tarchichi, agricultural exports via the Masnaa crossing typically amount to 250–350 tons daily, including fruits and potatoes. With the upcoming banana harvest season in southern Lebanon, the export volume is expected to rise, with an additional 80,000 tons of bananas set to be exported.

Customs data from 2023 highlights the importance of the Masnaa crossing for Lebanon’s trade. The country exported approximately $176 million worth of agricultural and industrial products through Masnaa last year. By comparison, $25 million worth of goods passed through the Aboudiyeh crossing, and $16 million through Arida. 

Impact on Imports

Lebanon’s imports through Masnaa in 2023 amounted to $34 million, with an additional $37 million imported via Aboudiyeh and $35 million via Arida.

Hani Bohsali, head of the Food Importers Syndicate in Lebanon, told Annahar that Masnaa is a crucial route for exporting vegetables and fruits to Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. Although exports to the Gulf have decreased, the crossing remains vital for importing dairy products, cheese, potato chips, sweets, and canned goods from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Bohsali reassured that alternatives to the Masnaa crossing exist if it remains closed for an extended period. The Aboudiyeh crossing, while more costly due to the longer distance, can handle imports and exports. Additionally, sea transport is a viable option, with shipping by sea being less expensive than land transport through Aboudiyeh. However, Bohsali cautioned that the situation would become dire if sea routes were also disrupted.

Trade Figures:

- $176 million worth of agricultural and industrial products were exported from Lebanon via Masnaa in 2023.
- 250–350 tons of agricultural products are exported daily to Syria and Iraq through Masnaa.
- Masnaa is a critical route for importing dairy products, potato chips, sweets, and canned goods from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

As the situation develops, the closure of the Masnaa crossing continues to present significant challenges for Lebanon’s trade and agricultural sectors, while fears of further Israeli strikes loom large.