The size of the automotive market in Lebanon grows by an average of 8 percent annually, with total imports exceeding $1.5 billion. Lebanon imports all vehicles since local production does not exist. All vehicles are right hand drive. U.S. automotive exports to Lebanon reached $343 million in 2018, representing 20 percent of total Lebanese automotive imports valued at $1,659 million.
Summary
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The automotive industry comprises of motor vehicles namely passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and parts and accessories. There are no barriers to automotive imports to Lebanon. Customs Duties and Taxes are calculated as follow based on the value of the imported vehicles, which are obtained from international references such as the Blue Book and Super Schwache Liste.
Market Entry & Barriers
Market Trends & Demand
Lebanon’s automotive market is dominated by used imported vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, mainly from U.S. Demand for American cars, notably Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ford, General Motors, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC, is good due to their competitive price, high quality, and long record of success in the market. Moreover, demand for U.S. automotive parts such as brakes, clutches, engine lubricants, and safety accessories is increasing because of the demonstrated quality advantage of U.S. parts as compared to foreign competitors.
There is a good market potential for aftermarket auto part products in Lebanon particularly for those parts that are frequently changed such as different types of fuel and air filters. Automobile users tend to use aftermarket parts as the aftermarket parts cost less than the OE manufactured parts.
Demand for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is growing. According to private sector sources, around 10 percent of cars imported into Lebanon are SUVs. Demand is expected to increase due to the SUV's ability to withstand poor road quality conditions throughout the country.
Former Minister of Energy Cezar Abi Khalil launched a study on January 7, 2019 on the use of hybrid vehicles in Lebanon, mainly its financial and environmental impact. Market sources reported that electric or hybrid vehicles are expected to enter the Lebanese market in the near future.
For More Information about exporting to Kazakhstan contact:
Naaman Tayyar
Head of Commercial Section - Global Auto & Smart Mobility Team
U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon
+961-4-542600
lebanon