10 percent US tariff
on Lebanese exports

Among the lowest tier of increases by the Trump administration

Lebanon's exports have been subjected to a ten percent tariff by the United States which announced yesterday the implementation of reciprocal tariffs. This measure will affect approximately $153 million worth of goods exported from Lebanon to the U.S. annually.

Lebanon, which previously benefited from relatively low tariff rates, is among the countries facing the mildest increase under the new trade policy. While the U.S. administration emphasized fairness in global trade and the need for reciprocal measures, the new tariff structure may impact key Lebanese export sectors such as food products, textiles, and artisanal goods.

Local exporters are now assessing the potential repercussions on their competitiveness in the U.S. market. Industry representatives have expressed concerns about potential price increases and reduced demand, particularly for specialty goods like Lebanese wine, olive oil, and processed foods.

Trade analysts suggest that while the ten percent tariff is modest compared to levies imposed on other nations, it may still challenge small and medium-sized businesses that rely on the U.S. as a primary export destination. The Lebanese government has yet to issue an official response but is expected to explore mitigation strategies, including potential trade negotiations or diversifying export markets.

This move is part of a broader shift in U.S. trade policy aimed at addressing perceived imbalances. The extent of the impact on Lebanon’s economy will depend on how businesses adapt to the new cost structures and whether alternative markets can absorb affected exports.

The US has imposed tariffs on all its trading partners except for Canada and Mexico -- in compliance with its trade agreements with these two countries.

The highest tariffs were imposed on China: 34 percent on top of past tariffs which brings it to 54 percent. Vietnam is facing a 46 percent tariff and Thailand 36 percent.

Among Arab countries, Iraq has been subjected to a 39 percent tariff on its exports to the United States, in response to Iraq's 78 percent tariff on American goods. Syria is subjected to a 41 percent tariff, (half the Syrian tariff on American imports), and Tunisia 28 percent.