Lebanon

Since 2006, the U.S. has provided more than $2 billion in bilateral foreign assistance to Lebanon. This assistance supports the strengthening of the institutions of the Lebanese state following years of Syrian hegemony, bolstering vital public services, preserving the multi-sectarian character of Lebanon, and countering Hizballah’s narrative and influence. The U.S. is Lebanon’s primary security partner. Since 2006, the U.S. has provided Lebanon over $1.7 billion in security assistance. In addition to bilateral foreign assistance, the U.S. has provided nearly $1.8 billion in humanitarian assistance for Lebanon since the start of the Syria crisis.

Lebanon has a free-market economy and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors include banking and tourism. In 2011, major U.S. exports to Lebanon were mineral fuel and oil, vehicles, machinery, pharmaceutical products, and cereals. The U.S. and Lebanon have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to help promote an attractive investment climate, expand trade relations, and remove obstacles to trade and investment between the two countries.