Steel imports decline 8pct in Jan-Jul 2026 YoY

Lebanon’s steel imports declined by around 8pct YoY to 432,800 tons in Jan-Jul 2026, from 470,600 tons in the corresponding period of 2025, according to Lebanese Customs data.

Rebar under HS code 7214 remained by far the largest steel product imported into Lebanon, accounting for 191,827 tons, or around 44pct of total steel imports during the first seven months of 2026.

Egypt was the dominant supplier, accounting for around 60pct of total rebar imports, with 116,135 tons, followed by Iran at 35,129 tons. Russia and India supplied another 12,610 tons and 11,882 tons, respectively. Libya and Belarus were also significant suppliers, at 7,999 tons and 7,009 tons.

Among other long products, alloy bars and sections under HS code 7228 accounted for 34,011 tons. Turkey was the largest supplier with 18,069 tons, followed by China at 10,498 tons. Iran supplied a further 1,286 tons.

Imports of wire rod under HS code 7213 reached 21,271 tons. China was the leading source at 9,196 tons, followed by Russia with 6,707 tons.

In the flat steel segment, HR steel under HS code 7208 was the largest category, with imports of 84,876 tons in Jan-Jul. China was the largest supplier at 38,804 tons, followed by Turkey at 25,388 tons and Russia at 18,714 tons.

Coated flat steel under HS code 7210 imports totaled 75,728 tons, making it the second-largest flat steel category. China dominated this segment with 61,305 tons, accounting for more than 80pct of imports, while Turkey supplied another 12,725 tons.

Imports of CR steel under HS code 7209 stood at 6,896 tons. Turkey was the largest supplier with 3,098 tons, followed by China at 1,785 tons.

At the country level, China was Lebanon’s largest steel supplier in Jan-Jul 2026, shipping 130,076 tons, followed closely by Egypt with 119,410 tons. Turkey ranked third at 63,825 tons, while Russia and Iran supplied 44,546 tons and 38,163 tons, respectively. China and Egypt alone supplied almost 58pct of Lebanon’s total steel imports.

Table 1 – Major steel products imported by Lebanon, Jan-Jul 2026