Economy

Finance Committee Postpones Decision on Lebanon's IMF Contribution

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 ...

Solar Olive Oil Wins Gold Amid Lebanon’s Challenges

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 ...

China vows to stay 'safe and promising land' for foreign investment

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 ...

Figure of the weekLebanon Faces Severe Trade Deficit and Economic Imbalance

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 ...

Will China Overcome Trump’s Tariffs?

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 ...

PMI Drops to Five-Month Low amid Economic Instability

This is Beirut 04/04 16:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Banks Hezbollah Israel

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 ...

Where Things Stand in The US-China Trade War

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 ...

Souhaid Unveils Roadmap as Central Bank Governor

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 ...

China Says to Slap Extra 34% Tariffs on US Imports

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 ...

Europe Markets Extend Losses After Tariff Rout

This is Beirut 04/04 10:25 - Reading : less than a minute

Europe Donald Trump Banks Covid-19 European Union

European equities opened in the red on Friday, extending losses after US President Donald Trump's tariff offensive sparked a global stock market rout. Paris shed 0.9 percent to 7,533.26 points, Frankfurt fell 0.7 percent to 21,566.33 and London also dropped 0.7 percent to 8,416.32. Trump's harsher-than-expected "Liberation Day" levies sent ...

SpotlightTrump's New Tariffs: A Storm Brewing in Troubled Waters

Christiane Tager 04/04 09:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Donald Trump European Union Banks Europe Turkey

President Donald Trump's recent decision to impose historic tariffs on 185 countries and territories, announced on Thursday, has reverberated across the global economy. The repercussions of these tariffs will be felt worldwide, with Arab countries being especially impacted. Among the hardest-hit nations are Syria, Iraq, Libya, Algeria and Tunisia, ...

Salam Publishes Three Laws That Mikati Requested to Be Rejected

Maurice Matta 03/04 22:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Nawaf Salam The Landlords’ Syndicate The Tenants’ Committee The Teachers’ Syndicate

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam requested the publication of three laws in the Official Gazette. Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati had previously demanded that these laws be sent back to Parliament for reconsideration. One law is related to the teaching staff in private schools and the regulation of the school budget. The second law is about granting ...