BEIRUT — The Syndicate of Importers and Exporters of Vegetables and Fruits in Lebanon said that this year “potato stock is weak and the price in the local market ranges between LL14,000 and LL17,000 per kilo,” according to a statement published by the National News Agency.
Here’s what we know:
• “Due to the economic situation and the cold weather that delayed the [potato harvest] seasons and…it was decided to keep the agricultural calendar with Egypt,” which includes imports and exports of seasonal goods. The Agriculture Minister allowed the import of Egyptian potatoes from February 1 until the end of March.
• The importing of Egyptian potatoes to the Lebanese local markets starts from February 1 to March 31 of each year, according to an agreement signed between the two countries. The quantities that entered Lebanon, according to the statement, amounted to 56 thousand tons, including potatoes used in manufacturing such as chips and other manufactured goods.
• The syndicate added, “The Lebanese local market needs imported Egyptian potatoes, especially in light of the difficult economic conditions.”