Is it the end of welfare? (2)

Shrimp consumption in Lebanon 2019-2020: a decline of 74%

Shrimp is considered one of the most expensive dishes in Lebanon for it is a type of imported seafood that is rarely available in the local market. Due to the increasing exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Lebanese pound, the price per kg has recently soared to between LBP 100,000-300,000 depending on the shrimp’s type and size.

It was natural for shrimp consumption to decline in light of this increase. It has decreased from 1,793 tons valued at USD 13.1 million in 2019 to 464 tons valued at USD 3.03 million in 2020, i.e. a decline in quantity of 74%. The following table shows the quantity and value of imported shrimp, which has reached its highest level in 2018, recording 2,310 tons.

A table showing the quantity and value of imported shrimp (2015-2020).

Source: Information International, based on the Lebanese Customs.

The next article will be about “mobile phones purchases in Lebanon 2019-2020”.