Imported Prices Remain Stable Despite Rising Maritime Shipping Costs

The Food Importers' Syndicate, chaired by Hani Boushly, issued a statement indicating that the significant global rise in maritime shipping costs, along with tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb and Red Sea and the resulting increase in shipping and insurance expenses, could impose growing pressure on food prices in the coming period.

On the other hand, the syndicate clarified that these factors have not yet affected local food prices, stating that some statements claiming a major increase in food prices in Lebanon lack accurate data.

The syndicate confirmed that most imported food prices remain stable within controlled margins since the beginning of this year, while some items saw limited increases not exceeding 5% to 7%.

It also emphasized that periodic reports from the Central Administration of Statistics serve as the primary reference for monitoring changes in prices and costs of essential goods and services, noting that the latest report showed a 2.5% decline in food prices between March and June 2026.