Christiane Tager 2024-11-20 10:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Due to the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel, freight insurance premiums have surged, adding further pressure on Lebanese trade and, consequently, on consumers. Armed conflicts significantly increase the risks associated with maritime and land transport. Ships and cargo can be targeted or suffer collateral damage from hostilities. ...
Maurice Matta 2024-11-20 09:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Lebanon Economy Tourism Restaurants
Before the war, 60 airlines flew to Beirut; only Middle East Airlines remains today. Flights that once operated at 80-90% capacity now barely reach 20%, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. Travel to Lebanon has decreased by 80% compared to previous years, largely due to the ongoing conflict. The tourism sector, one of the ...
Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-17 19:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Hezbollah Israel economy consumption displaced
Many Lebanese have begun purchasing fruits and vegetables individually, a practice rarely seen in a culture that traditionally favors buying by the kilo. Grocery baskets have shrunk in both quantity and variety. Testimonies from mothers gathered by This is Beirut reveal a shift toward prioritizing legumes, which are more affordable than meat, ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-17 11:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Banks Hezbollah Israel Palestine
Lina al-Khalil has fled her south Beirut home to escape escalating Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, but she still returns daily to the bombarded area to keep the family business running. "It's more important than my house," said the pharmacist, in her 50s, of the business she inherited from her father in Haret Hreik, a southern suburb ...
Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-15 18:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Central Bank of Lebanon Hezbollah International Monetary Fund Israel Budget 2025
With spending on the rise and revenues falling short of expectations, the 2025 budget proposal is now effectively obsolete. The government must act swiftly to withdraw it from Parliament, where it was submitted on time, to prevent a deepening crisis. Why is a crisis inevitable? The current draft budget relies on unrealistic revenue projections, ...
Christiane Tager 2024-11-14 22:43 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Hezbollah Israel Middle East tourism
As the year-end holidays approach, Lebanese expatriates who usually rush home to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with their families are now facing a grim reality. The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is profoundly affecting Lebanon, turning it from a place of festivities and celebrations into a war zone. This year, behind the ...
This Is Beirut 2024-11-14 17:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
World Bank Lebanon Economy conflict losses
The World Bank has published on Thursday an initial assessment report of the impact of conflict on Lebanon’s Economy and Key Sectors. According to a new World Bank report, the cost of physical damages and economic losses due to the conflict in Lebanon is estimated at USD 8.5 billion. The Lebanon Interim Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA) finds ...
Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-14 11:25 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Donald Trump International Monetary Fund USA
While the dollar’s value is primarily shaped by US domestic factors, its fluctuations continue to ripple through the global economy. A 2023 International Monetary Fund (IMF) study found that the negative impact of a strong dollar tends to last around two and a half years in emerging markets, compared to just one year in developed economies. The ...
Christiane Tager 2024-11-14 09:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
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 ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-13 17:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Donald Trump United States
Bitcoin reached a record high above $90,000 Wednesday as the world's biggest cryptocurrency benefits from president-elect Donald Trump's pledge to ease regulation around digital tokens. Bitcoin rallied to an all-time peak above $91,000 before easing to $90,670. The volatile asset has rocketed since Trump won last week's US presidential election, ...
Christiane Tager 2024-11-13 17:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Donald Trump European Union Gulf Middle East Trade
Donald Trump’s return to the White House would likely reinforce a protectionist and economically isolationist approach under the "America First" slogan, heightening challenges across international trade relations and geopolitical balances. If Trump pursues a protectionist economic policy (America First) and adopts a more radical vision of ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-12 15:35 - Reading : less than a minute
Due to the ongoing war in Lebanon, the “white economy” is struggling, while the “black economy” is growing. Here's a look at the difference between the two and the measures needed to protect Lebanon's #economy.