Mario Chartouni 07/04 21:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Economy free trade Commerce Deficit
If there is one thing on which the vast majority of serious economists agree, whether they lean politically left or right, it is that free trade and commerce are beneficial to a nation. Yet, this truth is being contested today. Trade deficits are generating a lot of ink in the media, and they are being used to justify counterproductive policies. ...
This is Beirut 07/04 20:50 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
World Trade Organization United States Donald Trump
Often referred to as the "global trade police," the WTO is actually bound hand and foot by its members, with Washington's actions especially leaving it all but powerless against the protectionist wave washing over the globe. A number of countries have begun filing complaints with the World Trade Organization, charging that the steep ...
This is Beirut 07/04 15:15 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Lebanon Beirut Tourism Pierre Achkar Qatar Kuwait
The President of the Federation of Tourist Unions and the Hoteliers’ Union, Pierre Achkar, revealed on Monday that Lebanon saw a significant influx of Qatari and Kuwaiti tourists during the Fitr vacation. He explained that Iraqi, Jordanian, Egyptian, and Syrian tourists were the main visitors in the past. But this year, Qataris and Kuwaitis ...
This is Beirut 07/04 15:05 - Reading : less than a minute
International Monetary Fund Finance Committee Ibrahim Kanaan
The parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee, chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan, has reaffirmed its commitment to “positive cooperation” with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, it decided to postpone its decision on increasing Lebanon's contribution to the institution by $423 million. The committee is waiting to consult with Finance ...
This is Beirut 07/04 11:55 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Lebanon Olive oil The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition
The olive oil brand, Solar, won the gold medal at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. This marks the third distinction for this Lebanese olive oil, which won a gold medal in 2022, and then a silver one in 2023. Amid challenges in Lebanon, this award holds particular significance for the ...
This is Beirut 07/04 10:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Donald Trump United States USA
A top Chinese official has vowed to protect US firms and pledged his country will remain a "promising land" for foreign investment, Beijing said Monday, after it slapped 34 percent tariffs on US imports. China retaliated last week against levies at the same level announced by US President Donald Trump on what he called "liberation day". It also ...
Liliane Mokbel 05/04 12:00 - Reading : less than a minute
lebanon crisis imports GDP deficit
Lebanon's trade deficit in 2024 reached $14.2 billion, accounting for approximately 50% of the country's GDP. This level, one of the highest in the world, is alarming and reflects the magnitude of the country's economic imbalances. According to statistics from the Higher Council of Customs, imports declined by 3.5%, totaling $16.9 billion, while ...
Christiane Tager 05/04 08:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
United States China Trade war Tariffs
The global stage is in full turmoil. Donald Trump, acting as the grand conductor, has introduced new tariffs that have shaken stock markets and spread panic across the world economy. But the curtain hasn’t dropped yet. China, a major player, is preparing its counterattack and will, as of April 10, impose a 34% tax on American products. The game ...
This is Beirut 04/04 16:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Lebanon’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published by BlomInvest on Thursday, fell sharply in March 2025 to a five-month low, signaling deteriorating business conditions. The index registered 47.6 points, a significant drop from 55.5 in February, driven by declines in production and new orders. Ali Belbol, a senior economist and the head ...
This is Beirut 04/04 15:55 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Donald Trump United States Tariffs China economic war
China has hit back against US President Donald Trump's "liberation day" tariffs, slapping 34 percent levies on all imports of American goods. AFP looks at how an escalating trade war between the United States and China is playing out—and what impact it might have. Why is China so vulnerable to tariffs? Trade between the world's two largest ...
Liliane Mokbel 04/04 15:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Karim Souhaid Governor Depositors
The new governor highlighted several priorities: strengthening BDL’s governance, ensuring the return of deposits, restructuring the banking sector, and remaining open to all proposals aimed at resolving the banking system crisis. “Deposits are guaranteed, and their repayment must be managed through shared responsibility between the banks, BDL ...
This is Beirut 04/04 14:15 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Donald Trump USA China Tariffs economic war
China said on Friday it would slap 34 percent tariffs on all imports of US goods from April 10 after Washington imposed steep new levies on Chinese products. "For all imported goods originating from the US, an additional tariff of 34 percent on top of the current applicable tariff rate will be imposed," Beijing's finance ministry said. Beijing's ...