The export data for 2003 is in, and it’s up nicely. At $1.52 billion, Lebanese exports increased by a substantial 31.4% on 2002, which in itself was a good year. Sector leaders have pounded their fists ad nauseam that exporting is where it’s at for Lebanese industries and industrial exports in particular can pump new lifeblood into the economy, as well as help manufacturers sustain themselves in the lows of the domestic consumption cycle. Nearly a quarter of all 2003 exports, $379 million worth of goods, found their way to Switzerland. This result matches the leading export product category, jewelry, which was valued at $464 million and to a large portion was bound for Switzerland. With this notable exception, three Arab countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Syria – ranked as the top export destinations, with respective shares of 6.6 to 6.8 %. Arab markets are the primary and
