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3. Trade Under Fire: How Are Imports Faring in Times of War?

The import of essential goods during wartime presents a major logistical and economic challenge for Lebanon. Importing companies, already weakened by multiple successive crises, are now facing exorbitant costs and increased risks in transport.

It's been around two months since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, bringing a constant worry of possible airport and port closures that could cut off access to food products, raw materials, fuel, and medicine. Moreover, Lebanon’s now notorious instability discourages some foreign trading partners, further straining Lebanese imports. Numerous foreign companies have suspended trade with Lebanon due to security and financial risks, while importers are required to pay the full bill upon placing an order.

Nonetheless, Hani Bohsali, the president of the Syndicate of Food Importers — a true barometer for imports — remains reassuring. He asserts, "Lebanon has a three-month stock of food supplies," noting that imports continue as usual, and products are arriving consistently.

However, he admits that, logistically, "it’s a nightmare." With bombings now happening during the day, both delivery vehicles and employees en route to the airport to collect goods are at risk. "We’re facing many challenges and organizational issues," he says.

He emphasizes that as long as the airport and port are operational, imports are not in danger. Bohsali points out that the airport is crucial, as it is where documentation for clearing goods is processed. During the 2006 blockade, this was circumvented with copies, but he insists that this procedure is not legal. Bohsali also stresses that the airport is vital for the import of fresh produce.

Regarding holiday orders, he explains that it depends on the retailers. Some have taken a cautious approach, ordering fewer holiday-specific items, but he maintains that orders for standard food products remain stable.

Bohsali notes that orders for goods arriving by ship are typically placed three months in advance, meaning orders for Ramadan and Lent have already begun, as certain items, like canned tuna, see a surge in demand during these periods.

Nabil Fahed, president of the Syndicate of Supermarket Owners, shares this perspective and assures This Is Beirut that goods are arriving as usual. Both regular food products and Christmas items (chocolates, Advent calendars, decorations) are being unloaded regularly. In terms of luxury items like turkeys, fine cheeses, and deli meats, Fahed confirms they’re already on display. He adds that supermarkets are preparing for the holidays with hope for a return to normalcy. If the situation stays stable and some expatriates come back, the season should go relatively smoothly. "We’re organizing as if everything is expected to be normal," he concludes.

Nicolas Chammas, president of the Beirut Traders Association, tells This Is Beirut that for imports, the general trend is nearly the same, with smaller volumes in clothing. However, he notes considerable delays in air deliveries, as MEA is now the only airline serving Beirut Airport, resulting in a long waiting list.

In the furniture and decor sector, Farra Design CEO Ronald Farra confirms that the import situation is mostly normal, albeit with fewer orders.

Regarding fuel, the president of the Fuel Importers' Syndicate, Maroun Chammas, tells This Is Beirut that the situation remains steady, with enough fuel stock for about 20 days. However, he notes that insurance premiums have increased significantly, by about $8 per ton. He reveals that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Energy to adjust the selling price accordingly.

As for health, medical imports could be endangered if the airport were to close, yet Joe Ghorayeb, president of the Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Importers, reassures: "Since the conflict intensified, the situation hasn’t changed, and current medication stocks are sufficient for about five months."