Lebanon exports to Syria increase

Lebanon exported about 353,373t of clinker and cement to Syria in the first half of 2004. Exports of cement from Lebanon to Syria stood at 168,468t during the period. Syria is said to be the second largest importer of Lebanese cement after Iraq, officials said. Lebanon expects to export a total 1.2Mt of cement to the Syrian and Iraqi markets in 2004, up from 472,518t in 2003.

Lebanon projects a significant increase in its cement exports to the Syrian market following the recent decision of the Syrian Government to allow the private sector to import cement from foreign countries and market it in the country.