Printed books exports from Lebanon: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of printed books by Lebanon reached $46.2 million in 2024 (7.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 8% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $82.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $46.2M | 7.0K t |
| 2023 | $50.3M | 9.2K t |
| 2022 | $54.7M | 19.3K t |
| 2021 | $39.4M | 16.6K t |
| 2020 | $46.0M | 16.3K t |
| 2019 | $82.5M | 31.0K t |
| 2018 | $32.3M | 9.6K t |
| 2017 | $37.0M | 8.0K t |
Where Lebanon exports printed books to
Most of it went to Morocco (26%), Iraq (20%), United Arab Emirates (9%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $12.1M | 26% |
| Iraq | $9.3M | 20% |
| United Arab Emirates | $4.3M | 9.4% |
| Indonesia | $2.1M | 4.5% |
| France | $2.0M | 4.3% |
| Jordan | $1.6M | 3.5% |
| Tunisia | $1.6M | 3.5% |
| Egypt | $1.5M | 3.3% |
| Russia | $1.4M | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $883K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 4901
| 4901.99 | Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91 | 95% |
| 4901.10 | Printed matter: in single sheets, whether or not folded | 4.7% |
| 4901.91 | Printed matter: dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments thereof | 0.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4901.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.62 per kg, 29% below the world average of $9.39, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Printed books imports to Lebanon
In 2024, Lebanon imported printed books worth $15.0 million (1.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from France (37%), United Kingdom (16%), United States (16%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+31% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $5.5M | 37% |
| United Kingdom | $2.5M | 16% |
| United States | $2.5M | 16% |
| China | $1.0M | 6.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $727K | 4.8% |
| Italy | $604K | 4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $405K | 2.7% |
| Iran | $338K | 2.3% |
| Egypt | $185K | 1.2% |
| India | $163K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Lebanon?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 4901: Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of printed books exported by Lebanon?
Lebanon exported printed books worth $46.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy printed books from Lebanon?
Morocco was the largest buyer with 26% of the value ($12.1 million), followed by Iraq (20%) and the United Arab Emirates (9%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 91 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 46% on the year.
What is the average export price of printed books per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.62 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $9.39 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of printed books from Lebanon changed since 2017?
Exports went from $37.0 million in 2017 to $46.2 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2019 at $82.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does Lebanon also import printed books?
Yes. Lebanon imported $15.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, the United Kingdom and the United States. On balance Lebanon is a net exporter of this product, by about $31.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed books?
The HS code for printed books is heading 4901. In Lebanon the largest six-digit codes were 4901.99 (95% of the value) and 4901.10 (5%). It sits in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4901 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds Lebanon trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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