Lebanon's Agriculture Ministry Welcomes Saudi Market Reopening to Lebanese Exports

The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement welcoming Saudi Arabia's decision to resume accepting Lebanese exports. The ministry described this move as a pivotal strategic milestone in supporting Lebanon's agricultural sector, emphasizing its direct impact on boosting production, enhancing export opportunities, and reconnecting Lebanon with one of its most important and influential foreign markets for agricultural balance.

The ministry clarified that this decision is not merely a commercial measure but an economic and developmental step with national dimensions. It is expected to contribute to sustaining Lebanese farmers, revitalizing agricultural production cycles, and stimulating packaging, marketing, and export chains, thereby directly benefiting thousands of families who rely on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood.

Data show that before 2020, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries represented the most significant market for Lebanese agricultural exports, accounting for approximately 45% of total exports. These were distributed as follows: 13% to Saudi Arabia, 12.5% to Kuwait, 7.6% to Qatar, 7.5% to the United Arab Emirates, 3% to Oman, and 1.5% to Bahrain.

The ministry noted that Lebanese exports of vegetables, fruits, and their processed products to Gulf countries reached about 200,000 tons annually, with Saudi Arabia receiving around 60,000 tons. This underscores the central role of the Saudi market as a strategic main destination for Lebanese agricultural products and a pillar for sector stability.

Following reduced access to Gulf markets and the suspension of imports from Saudi Arabia starting April 25, 2021, the Lebanese agricultural sector experienced a significant decline in export volumes. Total Lebanese agricultural exports to Gulf countries dropped to approximately 77,000 tons, adversely affecting agricultural production, farmers' income, and the sustainability of value chains within the sector.

Financially, Lebanese agricultural exports to Gulf countries were valued at about 242 million US dollars in 2020, including 32 million dollars to Saudi Arabia. This figure decreased to roughly 14 million dollars in 2024, clearly indicating the economic impact resulting from the loss of these vital markets.

In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that reopening the Saudi market represents a crucial opportunity to relaunch agricultural recovery, restore Lebanon’s position in foreign markets, stimulate local production, and enhance the competitiveness of Lebanese products, thereby supporting the national economy and reinforcing food security.

The ministry stressed that this step provides additional motivation to continue developing the food safety system and agricultural inspection, as well as strengthening traceability and quality control measures. These efforts aim to ensure Lebanese exports comply with the highest standards adopted in Gulf and international markets, thereby rebuilding confidence in Lebanese agricultural products.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani expressed his sincere gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and to His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for this fraternal initiative that affirms the deep historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

He also thanked President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and all Lebanese and Saudi parties involved in following up on this matter and contributing to overcoming obstacles leading to this decision.

Dr. Hani stated that reopening the Saudi market to Lebanese agricultural exports marks a strategic turning point in the sector’s recovery path and sends a renewed message of confidence in Lebanese products and farmers' ability to meet the highest quality and safety standards. He added that this move restores hope for thousands of farmers and producers and opens the door to regaining Lebanon’s natural position in Gulf markets.

He further noted that over recent years, the Ministry of Agriculture has worked to enhance inspection, quality, and traceability systems and to raise compliance with international standards to ensure Lebanese products are ready for foreign markets. He described the current moment as a genuine opportunity to rebuild export partnerships and expand markets, which will increase agricultural income and support economic and social stability in rural areas.

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that this development represents a starting point for a new phase of agricultural and economic cooperation between Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries, benefiting Lebanese farmers, strengthening food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural recovery in Lebanon.