Steel imports slump in August

Lebanon’s steel imports fell sharply by 54pct YoY to 33,608 tons in August 2026, from 72,667 tons in August 2025, according to Lebanese Customs data. The country’s steel imports also declined by around 51pct month on month from 69,322 tons in July.

In the long steel segment, rebar imports plunged 70pct YoY to 10,846 tons from 35,671 tons a year earlier. Wire rod imports dropped to just 507 tons from 3,431 tons.

In the flat steel category, HR steel imports declined 15pct YoY to 7,716 tons from 9,061 tons. Cold-rolled steel imports fell to 329 tons from 3,048 tons, while coated flat steel imports declined to 11,631 tons from 18,430 tons.

In Jan-Aug 2026, Lebanon’s steel imports totaled 466,405 tons, down around 14pct year on year from 543,255 tons in the corresponding period of 2025.

Rebar under HS code 7214 remained by far the largest steel product imported into Lebanon, accounting for 202,673 tons, or around 43pct of total imports. Egypt was the dominant supplier, accounting for around 62pct of Lebanon’s rebar imports, with 125,799 tons. Iran followed with 36,130 tons, while Russia and India supplied 12,610 tons and 11,882 tons, respectively. Libya and Belarus were also significant suppliers, at 7,999 tons and 7,009 tons.

Imports of wire rod under HS code 7213 reached 21,777 tons. China was the leading source at 9,196 tons, followed by Russia with 7,214 tons. India and Belarus supplied 1,514 tons and 1,247 tons, respectively.

Among other long products, alloy bars and sections under HS code 7228 accounted for 35,233 tons. Turkey was the largest supplier with 19,284 tons, followed by China at 10,506 tons and Iran at 1,286 tons.

In the flat steel segment, HR steel under HS code 7208 was the largest category, with imports of 92,592 tons in Jan-Aug. China was the largest supplier at 44,147 tons, followed by Turkey at 27,488 tons and Russia at 18,714 tons.

Imports of cold-rolled steel under HS code 7209 stood at 7,225 tons. Turkey was the largest supplier with 3,098 tons, followed by China at 1,785 tons.

Coated flat steel under HS code 7210 imports totaled 87,359 tons, making it the second-largest flat steel category. China dominated this segment with 68,246 tons, accounting for around 78pct of imports, while Turkey supplied another 17,255 tons.