Lebanon Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Lebanon's trade openness was 141.09% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 35.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1989–2025.
Overview
Lebanon's trade openness stood at 141.09% in 2025, a rise of +36.88% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 141.09% by 2025. Lebanon ranked 39th globally.
Lebanon’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 109.93 in 1989 to an all‑time peak of 141.09 in 2025, which places the country 39th globally. The indicator experienced a pronounced trough of 50.12 in 2000, reflecting the severe contraction of external trade during the post‑civil‑war reconstruction period and regional shocks. Since that low point, openness expanded by more than 90 percentage points, outpacing many peers; for example, Switzerland recorded 140.92 and Lesotho 142.25 in the same year, indicating that Lebanon now operates at a level comparable to highly integrated economies. The sustained upward trajectory suggests that continued reforms in customs procedures, diversification of export markets, and stabilization of the financial sector could further embed Lebanon in global value chains, while any reversal in macro‑economic stability would likely dampen the positive momentum.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 155.81% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 141.09% | - | - |
| 2025 | 141.09% | +36.88% | #39 |
| 2023 | 104.21% | −10.68% | #113 |
| 2022 | 114.89% | +36.06% | #129 |
| 2021 | 78.83% | +28.70% | #91 |
| 2020 | 50.13% | −12.85% | #49 |
| 2019 | 62.98% | −5.28% | #59 |
| 2018 | 68.26% | −0.20% | #73 |
| 2017 | 68.46% | +0.73% | #76 |
| 2016 | 67.72% | −4.12% | #75 |
| 2015 | 71.84% | −7.98% | #83 |
| 2014 | 79.82% | −6.36% | #90 |
| 2013 | 86.17% | −2.37% | #101 |
| 2012 | 88.55% | −13.59% | #97 |
| 2011 | 102.14% | +7.04% | #119 |
| 2010 | 95.10% | +4.70% | #116 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lebanon matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lebanon's trade openness was 141.09% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 35.4% increase from the previous year.
Lebanon's trade openness peaked at 141.09% in 2025.
The lowest trade openness in Lebanon was 50.12% in 2000.
Lebanon ranks 39th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lebanon's trade openness is projected to reach 141.09% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Lebanon in 2025 was 141.09%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lebanon_trade-openness,
title = {Lebanon Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lebanon/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}