Market
Dried lentils in Lebanon are an import-dependent staple pulse market serving household and foodservice demand. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) for HS 071340 indicates Lebanon imported about USD 12.3 million (~10.3 thousand tonnes) in 2023, with Canada and Turkey among the largest suppliers by value.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleStaple pulse for domestic consumption; reliance on imports for supply continuity
Market Growth
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by storability and continuous imports; limited seasonality compared with fresh crops.
Risks
Payment and Fx HighLebanon’s financial and currency conditions can delay or block import payments (e.g., difficulty accessing foreign currency, heightened counterparty risk), creating a deal-breaker risk for suppliers shipping on unsecured terms.Use secured payment terms (e.g., confirmed L/C where feasible, advance payment, or reputable trade finance/credit insurance), invoice in a stable currency, and run enhanced counterparty due diligence.
Security and Disruption HighRegional conflict escalation and security incidents can disrupt ports, trucking corridors, and insurance availability, increasing the risk of shipment delays and sudden landed-cost spikes.Build schedule buffers, monitor port/route advisories and insurance terms, and diversify discharge options and contingency routing with the freight forwarder.
Logistics MediumFreight and marine insurance volatility can materially affect landed cost for bulk pulses into Lebanon, impacting importer affordability and reorder timing.Quote with clear freight/insurance assumptions, consider shorter validity periods, and align stock planning with importer’s replenishment cycle.
Sanctions and Compliance MediumSourcing from or transiting through higher-risk jurisdictions can trigger heightened sanctions/AML screening by banks and insurers, delaying payments and documentation acceptance.Screen counterparties and shipment details, document origin and routing clearly, and coordinate with the buyer’s bank on required compliance evidence before shipment.
Documentation Gap LowDocument mismatches (HS classification, origin, labeling declarations) can lead to clearance delays or holds.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation against the importer’s checklist and Lebanese Customs classification requirements.
FAQ
Is Lebanon mainly an importer or producer for dried lentils?Lebanon is an import-dependent consumer market for dried lentils, relying on imports to meet domestic demand.
Which countries supplied most of Lebanon’s dried lentil imports in 2023 (HS 071340)?UN Comtrade data via World Bank WITS indicates Canada was the largest supplier by import value in 2023, followed by Turkey, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Australia.
What is the biggest deal-breaker risk for shipping dried lentils to Lebanon?Payment and foreign-exchange related risks are a major blocker: financial constraints and currency instability can delay or prevent import payments unless secured trade terms are used.