Liliane Mokbel 09/08 15:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
In just a few months, the sun has set on Lebanon’s booming solar panel market. According to customs data, imports dropped by 72% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The total value fell to $21 million, down from $75 million in 2024, with volumes shrinking from 34,000 tons to 11,000 tons. The contrast is even ...
Christiane Tager 08/08 16:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Lebanon Economy Shopping Sales
For many Lebanese, sales are the only time of year when long-desired items become remotely affordable: a pair of sneakers, a designer dress or a household appliance. With wallets worn thin by inflation, a devalued currency and eroding purchasing power, discounts provide a much-needed breather. But while some shoppers welcome the relief, others ...
This is Beirut 08/08 10:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Donald Trump United States Bitcoin
US President Donald Trump's media group and Tesla, the electric carmaker owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, are among an increasing number of companies buying huge amounts of bitcoin. The aim? To diversify reserves, counter inflation and attract investors, analysts say. Who also invests? Companies frequently own bitcoin -- the largest ...
Liliane Mokbel 07/08 17:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
As in every summer, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BIA) is overwhelmed by waves of Lebanese expatriates returning home for the holidays. This year’s record influx has turned the terminals into overcrowded hubs. Long queues stretch before the General Security counters, where wait times drag on. Congestion peaks when multiple flights ...
This is Beirut 07/08 11:40 - Reading : less than a minute
The League of Public Administration Employees announced on Thursday the suspension of its strike movement for the current week. The decision follows a request made by the directors general and the submission of an urgent list of demands to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ahead of an upcoming meeting. In its statement, the League expressed hope for a ...
This is Beirut 07/08 11:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Ukraine Donald Trump Washington China Tariffs
The United States began charging higher tariffs on dozens of trading partners Thursday, in a major escalation of President Donald Trump's drive to reshape global commerce in America's favor. Shortly before the new levies kicked in, the United States separately announced it would double tariffs on India to 50 percent and hit many semiconductor ...
Christiane Tager 07/08 11:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Donald Trump European Union United Kingdom Tariffs Trade
On August 7, the Trump administration is touting a major win: its vision for global trade has taken root, driven by tweets, tariff threats, and real-world results. Under the “America First” banner, a new wave of trade agreements is redrawing the commercial map between the US and the rest of the world. From compliant partners to the Trump Tower ...
This is Beirut 06/08 18:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Syria Syrian Investment Authority
Syria held a signing ceremony on Wednesday for agreements worth more than $14 billion, including investments in Damascus airport and other transport and real estate projects, state media reported. Since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, Syria's new authorities have worked to attract investment for the ...
This is Beirut 06/08 18:20 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
United States Donald Trump Apple Technology
Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, taking its total pledge to $600 billion over the next four years, a senior White House official said Wednesday. The announcement, which was first reported by US media, will be officially made later Wednesday at 4:30 pm (2030 GMT) at a White House event with President Donald ...
This is Beirut 06/08 13:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
switzerland insurance climate Economy
Natural disasters caused $135 billion in economic losses globally in the first half of 2025, fuelled by the Los Angeles wildfires, Swiss Re said Wednesday. Swiss Re, which serves as an insurer of insurance companies, said first half losses were up from the $123 billion in the first half of 2024. The Zurich-based reinsurance giant estimated that ...
This Is Beirut 06/08 12:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport experienced a significant increase in activity during July 2025, both in terms of passenger numbers and airline traffic to and from Lebanon. The most notable rise was in the number of incoming passengers, which jumped by over 15% compared to July 2024. A total of 873,095 passengers traveled through ...
Liliane Mokbel 05/08 17:25 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
As of June, Lebanon’s Consumer Price Index recorded an annual increase of around 15%, a sharp drop from the staggering 253.55% seen during the same period in 2023. This decline is largely due to the stabilization of the exchange rate following months of severe devaluation of the Lebanese pound (LBP). Yet, despite this slowdown in inflation, ...