Market
Black tea in Lebanon is an import-dependent consumer market supplied largely through imports classified under HS 0902 (tea, whether or not flavoured). UN Comtrade-derived trade data indicates Lebanon’s 2023 tea imports were dominated by black tea in immediate packings of ≤3 kg (HS 090230), with a smaller share in bulk packings >3 kg (HS 090240). Supplier concentration is high, with Sri Lanka the largest reported origin by import value in 2023. Macroeconomic fragility and conflict-related disruptions remain key contextual risks that can affect import flows and retail availability.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleConsumer beverage staple supplied mainly via imports
Risks
Geopolitical Security HighConflict and security instability can disrupt import logistics and domestic distribution, creating sudden supply interruptions for imported consumer staples such as black tea.Maintain higher safety stocks, diversify suppliers and routing options, and use contingency logistics planning for port and corridor disruptions.
Macroeconomic And Payment HighA fragile macro-financial environment can constrain import financing and settlement reliability, raising the risk of delayed procurement and stock-outs for imported packaged tea.Use risk-managed payment terms (e.g., confirmed L/C where feasible), diversify payment channels, and adjust procurement cadence to reduce exposure to short-term liquidity shocks.
Supply Concentration MediumImport sourcing is highly concentrated: UN Comtrade-derived data for 2023 shows Sri Lanka as the dominant reported supplier by value for HS 0902 tea imports into Lebanon, increasing exposure to origin-specific supply or price shocks.Qualify secondary origins and keep a dual-sourcing strategy for comparable black tea profiles (retail-packaged and/or bulk).
Logistics MediumPort operations, regional shipping disruptions, and inland distribution constraints can cause delays and inventory gaps even for shelf-stable products like tea.Build buffer lead times, pre-book freight during peak periods, and keep alternative forwarders/routes available.
FAQ
Which countries are the main reported suppliers of tea (HS 0902) to Lebanon?UN Comtrade-derived 2023 trade data indicates Sri Lanka is the largest reported supplier by import value, followed by Egypt, with smaller shares from the United Arab Emirates, India, and several other origins.
Is Lebanon’s tea import mix mostly retail-packaged or bulk?UN Comtrade-derived 2023 data shows most of Lebanon’s HS 0902 import value is reported under black tea in immediate packings of ≤3 kg (HS 090230), with a smaller share in black tea in packings >3 kg (HS 090240).
Which Lebanese institution is responsible for national standards relevant to tea?LIBNOR (the Lebanese Standards Institution) is the national standards body attached to the Ministry of Industry, and it lists a technical committee scope covering tea standardization from production to consumption, including testing and packaging/storage/transport requirements.