The industry sector in Lebanon has never been in good shape over the years, but had its ups and downs.
In 2002 for example, Lebanon was one of the most important exporters of its industries to foreign countries like France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain and others. The most prominent exports were food products, textile, wood, paper and other industries, with exports reaching USD 848 million.
The exports kept on increasing until 2011 were they hit a peak of USD 3.3 billion.
Then, exports and imports started decreasing year after year.
Many reasons were behind this fall, mainly due to the harsh conditions imposed on Lebanese exports, mainly by the European Union, as well as the agreements signed between Lebanon and the Arab states that place obstacles before the Lebanese exports; in addition to the Syrian crisis and closure of the borders, as well as the increase in transportation costs and many other reasons.
For more details, watch the full report in the video above