Market
Dried chickpeas in Lebanon are a staple pulse market with significant import dependence. FAO programming with Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) highlights a sector “revival” focused on improved agronomy and varieties, with examples from the Bekaa region.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market with ongoing domestic production revitalization)
Domestic RoleStaple legume for household and foodservice use; FAO describes chickpeas as central to Lebanese cuisine (e.g., hummus and falafel).
Risks
Macroeconomic and Security HighConflict-related disruption and prolonged economic/financial fragility in Lebanon can disrupt import logistics, raise freight/insurance costs, and increase payment/settlement risk for commodity imports including pulses.Use conservative payment terms (e.g., secured USD settlement where feasible), confirm trade-finance and insurance availability before shipment, diversify suppliers, and hold buffer inventory for essential SKUs.
Import Dependence MediumFAO reports Lebanon relies on imported chickpeas for a majority of demand (around 71%), increasing exposure to external supply, price, and freight shocks.Diversify origins and contract structures (spot + term), and maintain alternative approved suppliers for continuity.
Post Harvest and Storage MediumFAO highlights limited storage capacity and high crop losses in Lebanon’s chickpea value chain, raising the risk of quality deterioration and inventory loss across storage and distribution.Specify moisture/pest-control requirements contractually, require pre-shipment inspection and COA as appropriate, and prioritize dry, pest-managed warehousing.
Logistics MediumRegional insecurity has been assessed by the World Bank as causing broad damages and economic losses in Lebanon, which can translate into logistics and supply-chain disruptions for imported food commodities.Build lead-time slack into replenishment plans, monitor route/port risk advisories, and pre-arrange contingency logistics options with forwarders.
Sustainability- Rainfed production exposure to rainfall variability in the Bekaa and other rainfed areas (FAO).
- Post-harvest loss and storage capacity constraints highlighted by FAO for the chickpea value chain.
FAQ
Is Lebanon a net importer of dried chickpeas?Yes. FAO reports Lebanon relies on imported chickpeas for the majority of national demand (about 71%), and UN Comtrade data via WITS show Lebanon’s 2024 imports of HS 071320 far exceeded its exports.
Which countries commonly supply dried chickpeas to Lebanon?UN Comtrade data via WITS show top 2024 suppliers to Lebanon for HS 071320 included the Russian Federation, Mexico, Canada, the United States, and Turkey.
What certificates may be requested for importing chickpeas into Lebanon?Import guidance sources note that a phytosanitary certificate may be requested for plant-based products, and a health certificate may be requested for edible items, depending on the shipment and requirements.