Market
Red kidney beans (HS 071333; dried kidney beans including white pea beans) are a staple pulse product in Lebanon’s food market and are largely supplied through imports. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform indicates Lebanon imported about USD 5.10 million (about 3.84 million kg) of HS 071333 in 2023, with Egypt and Argentina among the leading suppliers. Domestic cultivation of pulses exists, with the Bekaa region identified as a major national producing area for cereals and pulses. Trade into Lebanon is materially exposed to the country’s ongoing macro-financial and payment constraints, which can affect import execution and supplier settlement.
Market RoleNet importer with limited domestic cultivation
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supported by imports; some local pulse production
Risks
Payment And Financial HighLebanon’s unresolved financial crisis, currency devaluation, and capital controls can hinder the ability of market participants to pay overseas suppliers and finance imports, creating a deal-breaker risk for commodity shipments that rely on timely settlement.Use conservative payment terms (e.g., confirmed LC or secured advance payment), conduct counterparty credit checks, and validate FX/settlement pathways before loading.
Logistics MediumImport flows for shelf-stable staples are exposed to port throughput constraints and broader security/logistics volatility in Lebanon’s operating environment, increasing the risk of delays and demurrage for time-sensitive documents and container returns.Build schedule buffers, pre-clear documentation with the importer and broker, and plan optional discharge routing via Port of Beirut or Port of Tripoli depending on operating conditions.
Input Supply MediumLocal pulse cultivation and handling can be impacted by constrained access to imported agricultural inputs (e.g., seed, fertilizers) and limited credit availability, affecting domestic availability and quality consistency.For local sourcing programs, verify supplier access to inputs and laboratory testing capacity; for import programs, diversify origins and maintain safety stock.
FAQ
How large were Lebanon’s imports of dried kidney beans (HS 071333) in 2023?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform reports Lebanon imported about USD 5.10 million and about 3.84 million kg of HS 071333 in 2023.
Which countries supplied most of Lebanon’s dried kidney bean imports in 2023?UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Egypt and Argentina were the leading suppliers to Lebanon in 2023, followed by China, the United States, and Canada.
What is the biggest deal-breaker risk for selling commodity kidney beans into Lebanon?Payment and import-financing risk is critical: the World Bank has described how Lebanon’s currency devaluation, capital controls, and limited credit can hinder payments to suppliers, which can disrupt import execution.