Recent data from the Central Bank of Libya reveals that China ranked as Libya’s top exporter, while Italy emerged as the largest importer from Libya during the first half of 2024.
China’s exports to Libya amounted to $1.5 billion out of a total $10.05 billion in imports. Conversely, Italy imported $3.9 billion worth of goods from Libya, representing a significant portion of Libya’s total exports, which reached $26.8 billion during the period, according to the Central Bank’s foreign trade report.
Regionally, the European Union (EU) and Asian countries each accounted for 34.5% of Libya’s total imports. Meanwhile, trade with African nations, Australia, and New Zealand remained limited, highlighting weak economic ties with these regions.
In terms of export destinations, Italy secured the top position, importing $3.9 billion from Libya, followed by Germany ($2.3 billion), the United Kingdom ($1.52 billion), and Greece ($1.50 billion). EU nations collectively dominated Libya’s exports, accounting for 72.8% (valued at $12.20 billion) of the total $26.8 billion in exports during the first half of 2024.
On the import side, Turkey ranked second with $1.2 billion in exports to Libya, followed by Greece ($946.1 million) and Italy ($914.8 million). These four countries combined made up 44.3% of Libya’s total imports during this period.
