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4h ago

Saudi Arabia Lifts Near‑Five‑Year Ban on Lebanese Exports

Riyadh says the move ties the trade reopening to Beirut’s institutional reforms with security guarantees, signaling a cautious diplomatic thaw with Gulf states.

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan before their meeting in Beirut on Jan. 23, 2025.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed nin Salman during a visit to Riyadh in March 2025. Reuters
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Overview

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the resumption of Lebanese exports following a June 10 phone call between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
  • Riyadh said the decision reflects 'positive steps' by Lebanon such as rebuilding state institutions, cooperation with specialised teams, and commitments on security while officials have not published a full list of measures.
  • Lebanese leaders welcomed the reversal as immediate relief for farmers and exporters after years of lost sales to Saudi markets that once bought about $230 million of Lebanese goods a year.
  • The original 2021 ban followed repeated Saudi seizures of Captagon tablets hidden in shipments and a diplomatic rift tied to criticism of Saudi policy and concerns about Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.
  • The move could open the door to Gulf investment and more Gulf tourism but true normalization will depend on how Lebanon enforces disarmament and whether regional tensions with Hezbollah and Israel stay contained.