Libya Major Exports

Libya, located in North Africa, is an oil-rich country with a highly export-dependent economy. The country’s major exports are largely centered around petroleum, which constitutes a significant portion of its trade revenue. While the oil sector dominates, Libya also exports agricultural products and industrial goods, contributing to its trade diversity. Below is an overview of Libya’s major exports and their respective trade values.

Major Export Categories

1. Crude Oil and Petroleum Products

Libya’s oil industry is the backbone of its economy, with petroleum products representing the largest share of the country’s exports. The country has some of the largest oil reserves in Africa, and its oil sector accounts for the vast majority of Libya’s export revenue.

  • Trade Value: Crude oil and petroleum products contribute approximately $20 billion annually to Libya’s export economy.
  • The primary markets for Libyan oil exports are Europe, particularly Italy and France, as well as countries in Asia like China and India.

Key Products:

  • Crude Oil: The majority of Libya’s oil exports consist of crude oil, which is refined and processed in other parts of the world.
  • Refined Petroleum: Libya also exports a variety of refined petroleum products, including diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel.
  • Natural Gas: In addition to oil, Libya exports natural gas, mainly to European countries through pipelines.

2. Petrochemicals

While crude oil remains the dominant export, Libya also produces and exports petrochemical products, which are derived from its oil and gas reserves. The petrochemical sector has been growing steadily, and Libya is working to diversify its oil-based industries into more value-added products.

  • Trade Value: Petrochemical exports contribute around $2 billion annually to Libya’s export revenue.
  • European countries, as well as regional markets in Africa and the Middle East, are the primary recipients of Libyan petrochemical exports.

Key Products:

  • Plastics: Libya exports various plastic products and raw materials, including polyethylene and polypropylene, used in manufacturing and construction.
  • Fertilizers: Fertilizer products, primarily made from natural gas, are significant exports to global agricultural markets.
  • Chemical Products: Other petrochemical products such as solvents and synthetic materials are also exported.

3. Agricultural Products

While agriculture in Libya is limited due to the country’s arid climate, the sector remains an important part of the economy. Libya exports several agricultural products, mainly grown in irrigated areas and agricultural projects, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

  • Trade Value: Agricultural exports contribute around $500 million annually to Libya’s export revenue.
  • Libya primarily exports to regional markets in North Africa and Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region.

Key Products:

  • Olives and Olive Oil: Olive cultivation is one of Libya’s most significant agricultural activities, and olive oil is a key export product.
  • Tomatoes: Fresh and processed tomatoes, including tomato paste, are widely exported, especially to Europe and neighboring African countries.
  • Dates: Libya is a significant exporter of dates, which are particularly popular in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Cereals: Libya also exports small quantities of wheat and barley, although the country relies heavily on imports for most of its cereal needs.

4. Chemicals and Fertilizers

Libya’s chemical sector is closely linked to its petroleum industry, with natural gas and oil being used to produce chemicals and fertilizers. The country exports a range of chemical products, with fertilizers being the most significant chemical export.

  • Trade Value: Chemical and fertilizer exports contribute approximately $1.5 billion annually to Libya’s export revenue.
  • Major export markets for Libyan chemicals include European countries, as well as regional markets in the Middle East and Africa.

Key Products:

  • Nitrogen Fertilizers: Libya produces and exports a variety of nitrogen-based fertilizers, including urea and ammonium nitrate, primarily for agricultural markets.
  • Phosphates: The country also exports phosphates, which are used in fertilizers and other chemical applications.
  • Industrial Chemicals: Libya exports various industrial chemicals, including those used in the manufacturing and oil industries.

5. Iron and Steel

Libya’s industrial sector, including steel production, plays a smaller but growing role in its export economy. The country has developed a steel industry focused on producing construction materials, and iron ore is one of the significant non-oil exports.

  • Trade Value: Iron and steel exports contribute around $300 million annually to Libya’s economy.
  • Key markets for Libyan steel products include regional markets in Africa and the Mediterranean.

Key Products:

  • Steel Bars and Rods: The country exports various forms of steel, primarily used in construction and infrastructure development.
  • Steel Pipes: Steel pipes used in oil and gas infrastructure, as well as for construction projects, are also exported.

6. Textiles and Clothing

Although textiles and clothing form a smaller portion of Libya’s overall export portfolio, the sector has grown, supported by domestic manufacturing. The country exports a variety of textile products, with a focus on both locally produced fabrics and garments.

  • Trade Value: Textile exports contribute around $100 million annually to Libya’s export economy.
  • Libya’s textile exports mainly go to European markets, including Italy and France, as well as regional markets in North Africa.

Key Products:

  • Clothing: Libya exports a variety of garments, including traditional clothing and modern apparel.
  • Fabrics: The country also exports fabrics, including those made from cotton and synthetic fibers.

7. Livestock and Animal Products

Libya’s livestock sector, though smaller compared to other sectors, still plays an important role in the country’s exports. Animal products, including live animals, meat, and hides, are exported to regional markets in Africa and the Middle East.

  • Trade Value: Livestock and animal product exports contribute approximately $200 million annually to Libya’s export revenue.
  • The primary export destinations for Libyan livestock are neighboring countries in North Africa, such as Egypt and Tunisia.

Key Products:

  • Live Animals: Libya exports cattle, camels, and sheep to neighboring countries in North Africa.
  • Meat: Processed meat, particularly mutton, is also a key export product.
  • Hides and Skins: Leather goods and hides are exported, mainly to regional markets for processing.

Libya’s export economy is heavily reliant on its petroleum sector, with oil and gas products contributing the majority of export revenues. While agriculture, chemicals, and metals play supporting roles, the country’s continued efforts to diversify its economy and expand non-oil exports will help shape its future trade landscape. Despite challenges, Libya’s strategic position in North Africa and rich natural resources offer substantial opportunities for its export growth.

Top Products Exported by Libya

Market Value: 112,941 (millions) Last Updated: June, 2024

Top Products Exported by Libya

# Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Crude Oil 32,904,335 29.13 287.96
2 Non Crude Oil 3,034,028 2.69 109.70
3 Petroleum Gases 633,703 0.56 244.54
4 Acyclic Alcohols 208,747 0.18 115.20
5 Acyclic Hydrocarbons 193,025 0.17 380.64
6 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Hot 180,127 0.16 169.57
7 Polymers of Ethylene 118,237 0.10 524.02
8 Nitrogenous Fertilizers 103,687 0.09 26.88
9 Oils From High Temp Coal Tar 83,400 0.07 506.33
10 Spongy Iron 99.94% Pure 48,779 0.04 77.41
11 Ammonia 34,933 0.03 89.97
12 Iron Ores & Concentrates 10,868 0.01 122.51
13 Aluminum Waste & Scrap 9,636 0.01 258.64
14 Copper Waste & Scrap 8,718 0.01 136.66
15 Olive Oil 6,144 0.01 0.00
16 Gold 5,834 0.01 124.50
17 Iron & Steel Angles & Shapes 5,071 0.00 349.01
18 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 5,028 0.00 254.17
19 Aircraft Engines 4,527 0.00 138.61
20 Sodium Hydrox 4,380 0.00 218.71
21 Lead 3,838 0.00 2,578.25
22 Live Fish 3,486 0.00 15,112.75
23 Parts of Electric Motors 2,599 0.00 579.71
24 Sheep Skins 2,550 0.00 -59.04
25 Steam Turbines 2,362 0.00 900.32
26 Refined Copper & Alloys 2,215 0.00 0.00
27 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Clad 1,893 0.00 4,883.45
28 Sheep Skins – No Wool 1,790 0.00 -4.95
29 Frozen Fish 1,739 0.00 -77.16
30 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 1,433 0.00 4,196.12
31 Fish Fillets 1,232 0.00 82.46
32 Lead Waste & Scrap 1,162 0.00 2,254.19
33 Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film 777 0.00 2,887.28
34 Aircraft 755 0.00 -41.87
35 Aluminum 654 0.00 -27.53
36 Computer & Office Machines Parts 641 0.00 4,132.73
37 Tugs & Pusher Craft 609 0.00 0.00
38 Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters 596 0.00 1,230.78
39 Goat Leather – No Hair 587 0.00 8,558.77
40 Insulated Wire & Cable 581 0.00 10,590.60
41 Ships Derricks & Cranes 523 0.00 33.24
42 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 518 0.00 7,080.20
43 Aluminum Structures & Parts of 502 0.00 0.00
44 Air & Vacuum Pumps 498 0.00 -52.21
45 Ash & Residues 475 0.00 158.48
46 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 451 0.00 703.86
47 Iron & Steel Bars & Rods – HR 394 0.00 -98.14
48 Locust Beans 348 0.00 7,244.42
49 Electric Motors & Generators 325 0.00 159.19
50 Waste & Scrap of Precious Metals 322 0.00 0.00
51 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 321 0.00 212.83
52 Heavy Construction Equipment 315 0.00 -56.67
53 Polymers of Vinyl Chloride 313 0.00 -95.75
54 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 297 0.00 4,938.23
55 Engines & Motors 292 0.00 136.98
56 Veneer Sheets 284 0.00 0.00
57 Pumps For Liquids 271 0.00 8.85
58 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 271 0.00 5,728.78
59 Raw Hides & Skins 256 0.00 -29.74
60 Electric Lasers 236 0.00 12,853.60
61 Passenger Vehicles 225 0.00 19.58
62 Wheat & Meslin Flour 216 0.00 784.57
63 Cow &Horse Hides -No Hair 193 0.00 0.00
64 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 189 0.00 300.15
65 Machine Tools For Forging 180 0.00 -34.89
66 Measuring or Checking Instruments 165 0.00 -54.41
67 Electric Shavers 164 0.00 0.00
68 Lifting & Handling Machines 164 0.00 181.82
69 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 163 0.00 140.98
70 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 160 0.00 195.34
71 Knitted Babies Garments & Accessories 160 0.00 0.00
72 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 158 0.00 -45.30
73 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 151 0.00 53.48
74 Uncombed Wool 145 0.00 -92.30
75 Air Conditioners 145 0.00 2,961.00
76 Machinery Parts 141 0.00 0.00
77 Machine Tools For Drilling 140 0.00 2,870.24
78 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 134 0.00 707.16
79 Prefabricated Buildings 124 0.00 8,096.16
80 Waste of Paper & Paperboard 115 0.00 1,354.33
81 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 112 0.00 -8.12
82 Tanks – > 300 Liter 104 0.00 0.00
83 Fresh Fish 102 0.00 -74.53
84 Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals 100 0.00 0.00
85 Tufted Carpets 99 0.00 0.00
86 Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus 99 0.00 0.00
87 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 96 0.00 88.83
88 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 93 0.00 -51.67
89 Titanium & Articles 93 0.00 0.00
90 Wire & Rods 85 0.00 12,279.06
91 Survey Instruments 81 0.00 -61.74
92 Waste of Rubber 80 0.00 -7.33
93 Taps, Cocks & Valves 78 0.00 -39.88
94 Semi Trucks & Tractors 74 0.00 41.31
95 Dried Fish 74 0.00 0.00
96 Aircraft Parts 73 0.00 -80.02
97 Chalk 72 0.00 216.68
98 Trailers 71 0.00 327.34
99 Carbonates 70 0.00 0.00
100 Motor Vehicle Parts 67 0.00 -39.24
101 Insecticides 60 0.00 0.00
102 Parts For Machine Tools 59 0.00 -5.82
103 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 59 0.00 243.41
104 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 57 0.00 1,696.67
105 Puzzles, Models & Toys 57 0.00 344.20
106 X-Ray Apparatus 56 0.00 618.91
107 Books 56 0.00 -59.86
108 Textile Hosepiping & Similar Textile Tubing 54 0.00 0.00
109 Machinery For Typeset 54 0.00 2,447.85
110 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 54 0.00 -90.76
111 Polymers of Styrene 53 0.00 327.42
112 Plastic Waste 48 0.00 79.55
113 Nails 45 0.00 0.00
114 Vehicle Bodies 45 0.00 0.00
115 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 44 0.00 -80.41
116 Articles of Jewelry & Parts 42 0.00 -89.08
117 Sand Blasting Machines 40 0.00 0.00
118 Furniture & Parts 38 0.00 -69.91
119 Trucks 37 0.00 -58.00
120 Precious & Semiprecious Stones 37 0.00 1,066.88
121 Polymers of Vinyl Acetate 37 0.00 -42.25
122 Natural Rubber 37 0.00 0.00
123 Plastic Containers 35 0.00 733.31
124 Machining Centers – Metal Working 33 0.00 0.00
125 Plastic Tubes 33 0.00 85.27
126 Retread & Used Tires 33 0.00 36.99
127 Other Animals 33 0.00 0.00
128 Wire of Iron & Nonalloy Steel 33 0.00 0.00
129 Electrical Switching Boards 32 0.00 756.03
130 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 30 0.00 0.00
131 Special Purpose Motor Vehicles 27 0.00 -78.95
132 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 27 0.00 0.00
133 Records & Tapes 26 0.00 185.06
134 Containers of Transport 26 0.00 595.09
135 Jams & Jellies 24 0.00 0.00
136 Demonstrational Instruments & Parts 24 0.00 -89.63
137 Apparatus For Photo Labs 24 0.00 0.00
138 Pulley Tackle & Hoists 23 0.00 3,807.79
139 Articles of Iron & Steel 22 0.00 382.06
140 Hair Preparations 21 0.00 556.95
141 Pictures & Photos 20 0.00 1,205.03
142 Prepared Fruit 20 0.00 0.00
143 Medicines in Doses 18 0.00 511.73
144 Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry 18 0.00 -92.21
145 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 16 0.00 0.00
146 Floating Structures, Rafts & Buoys 16 0.00 0.00
147 Binders For Found Molds 16 0.00 0.00
148 Vulcanized Rubber Plates 15 0.00 0.00
149 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 15 0.00 15.23
150 Iron & Steel > 600Mm Wide – Cold 15 0.00 2,023.67
151 Prepared & Preserved Fish 15 0.00 1,224.73
152 Knitted T-Shirts 15 0.00 50.23
153 Worn Clothing 15 0.00 0.00
154 Organic Composite Solvents & Thinners 14 0.00 0.00
155 Textile Footwear 14 0.00 0.00
156 Potatoes 13 0.00 0.00
157 Piston Engines 12 0.00 0.00
158 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 11 0.00 -87.81
159 Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas 11 0.00 -21.61
160 Leather Footwear 11 0.00 340.80
161 Dishwashing & Packaging Machines 10 0.00 415.38
162 Machinery For Tobacco Preparation 10 0.00 -93.75
163 Electric Storage Batteries 10 0.00 2.96
164 Honey 9 0.00 0.00
165 Granite 9 0.00 0.00
166 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 9 0.00 0.00
167 Engine Parts 9 0.00 -78.74
168 Articles of Aluminum 8 0.00 172.13
169 Breathing Appliances & Gas Masks 8 0.00 0.00
170 Articles of Plastics 8 0.00 548.93
171 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats 7 0.00 0.00
172 Gas, Water, Electric Meters 7 0.00 50.58
173 Candy 7 0.00 0.00
174 Bed & Table Linen 7 0.00 -70.57
175 Hand Tools 7 0.00 -47.79
176 Radar Apparatus & Navigation 7 0.00 607.94
177 Machines For Cleaning Seed 7 0.00 0.00
178 Cast Iron Articles 6 0.00 0.00
179 Ferroalloys 6 0.00 0.00
180 IndustrialElectric Furnaces 6 0.00 0.00
181 Metal-Rolling Mills & Rolls 6 0.00 0.00
182 Ginger, Thyme & Spices 6 0.00 -86.27
183 Electric Water Heaters 5 0.00 216.31
184 Tube & Pipe Fittings 5 0.00 -91.45
185 New Pneumatic Tires 5 0.00 269.08
186 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 5 0.00 -92.94
187 Microphones 5 0.00 0.00
188 Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony 5 0.00 444.96
189 Fork-Lift Trucks 5 0.00 790.60
190 TV Receivers 5 0.00 -34.90
191 Parts For Electric Equipment 5 0.00 0.00
192 Machines For Testing Material 5 0.00 -17.02
193 Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts 5 0.00 378.26
194 Non Tufted Woven Carpets 5 0.00 0.00
195 Primary Cells & Batteries 4 0.00 189.41
196 Refrigerators & Freezers 4 0.00 0.00
197 Tarps, Sails & Tents 4 0.00 0.00
198 Sewing Machines 4 0.00 361.17
199 Clays 4 0.00 0.00
200 Radioactive Chemical Elements & Isotopes. 4 0.00 -25.55
201 Aqueous Paint & Varnishes 4 0.00 0.00
202 Live Plants 4 0.00 0.00
203 Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving 3 0.00 0.00
204 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 3 0.00 44.74
205 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats 3 0.00 0.00
206 Collectors Items of Botanic 3 0.00 25.07
207 Personal Toilet Preparations 3 0.00 0.00
208 Turntables & Cassette Players 3 0.00 0.00
209 Plastic Household Articles 3 0.00 -27.84
210 Drawing Instruments 3 0.00 -96.33
211 Parts For Machines & Instruments 3 0.00 -93.06
212 Plastic Floor Cover & Wall Cover 2 0.00 0.00
213 Mattress Supports 2 0.00 -64.75
214 Misc Carpets 2 0.00 0.00
215 Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics 2 0.00 -75.53
216 Coconuts 2 0.00 0.00
217 Filters & Centrifuges 2 0.00 -57.66
218 Weighing Machines 2 0.00 0.00
219 Glassware For Table 2 0.00 0.00
220 Fresh Vegetables 2 0.00 -6.54
221 Maps & Hydrographic Charts 2 0.00 -36.46
222 Auxiliary Plant Used With Boilers 2 0.00 0.00
223 Office Paper 1 0.00 -58.52
224 Knitted Gloves 1 0.00 0.00
225 Curtains & Interior Blinds 1 0.00 -57.98
226 Pepper 1 0.00 -98.31
227 Brooms & Mops 1 0.00 0.00
228 Cheese & Curd 1 0.00 0.00
229 Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels 1 0.00 60.00
230 Knitted Mens & Boys Suits 1 0.00 -36.14
231 Knotted Carpets 1 0.00 0.00
232 Files, Pliers & Shears 1 0.00 31.08
233 Shell Fish 1 0.00 53.85
234 Ceramic Sinks 1 0.00 0.00
235 Shawls & Scarves 1 0.00 0.00
236 Knitted Sweaters 1 0.00 -94.31
237 Unglazed Ceramic Flags & Paving 1 0.00 0.00
238 Hydrometers & Thermometers 1 0.00 0.00
239 Tape Recorders 1 0.00 0.00
240 Plastic Baths & Toilet Seats 1 0.00 0.00
241 Washers & Dryers 1 0.00 0.00
242 Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials 1 0.00 0.00
243 Other Footwear 1 0.00 -85.58
244 Water Heaters 1 0.00 0.00
245 Non-Knit Track Suits 1 0.00 -91.55
246 Solder Machines 1 0.00 0.00
247 Monument Stone Articles 1 0.00 -87.73
248 Video Recording Equipment 1 0.00 0.00
249 Compasses & Navigation Instruments 1 0.00 -98.54
250 Articles of Glass 1 0.00 0.00
251 Tableware of Base Metal 0 0.00 -98.06
252 Washing Machines 0 0.00 0.00
253 Leather Apparel & Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
254 Bicycles 0 0.00 0.00
255 Apparel & Accessories of Rubber 0 0.00 0.00
256 Knitted Pantyhose 0 0.00 0.00
257 Blankets & Traveling Rugs 0 0.00 0.00
258 Household Art & Parts 0 0.00 0.00
259 Arcade, Table or Parlor Games 0 0.00 0.00
260 Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates 0 0.00 0.00
261 Office Machines 0 0.00 0.00
262 Optical Elements 0 0.00 -72.24
263 Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts 0 0.00 -99.35
264 Bells & Ornaments 0 0.00 0.00
265 Seats & Parts 0 0.00 -99.53
266 Cigars & Cigarettes 0 0.00 -99.91
267 Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China 0 0.00 0.00
268 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 0 0.00 -88.89
269 Sacks & Bags of Textile Material 0 0.00 -81.99
270 Switching Equipment, > 1000 V 0 0.00 0.00
271 Fruit & Vegetable Juice 0 0.00 -98.67
272 Mineral Substances 0 0.00 0.00
273 Products of Plaiting Materials 0 0.00 0.00
274 Food & Drink Preparation Machines 0 0.00 0.00
275 Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps 0 0.00 0.00
276 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 0 0.00 0.00
277 Bread, Pastry & Cakes 0 0.00 0.00
278 Felt Garments 0 0.00 0.00
279 Ink Jet Printers 0 0.00 0.00
280 Physical Exercise Equipment 0 0.00 -98.63
281 Rice 0 0.00 0.00
282 Sauces & Condiments 0 0.00 -99.36
283 Optical Telescopes 0 0.00 0.00
284 Misc Tools 0 0.00 -95.95
285 Knitted Mens & Boys Underpants 0 0.00 0.00
286 Articles of Wood 0 0.00 0.00
287 Household Articles 0 0.00 0.00
288 Stoves 0 0.00 0.00
289 Handsaws & Metal Parts 0 0.00 0.00
290 Wood Marquetry 0 0.00 0.00
291 Soap 0 0.00 0.00
292 Electric Light Equipment 0 0.00 0.00
293 Photographic Still Cameras 0 0.00 -99.51
294 Ceramic Statuettes 0 0.00 -95.07
295 Padlocks 0 0.00 0.00
296 Handtools & Tools Used in Agriculture 0 0.00 0.00
297 Safety Glass 0 0.00 0.00
298 Pebbles 0 0.00 0.00
299 Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware 0 0.00 0.00
300 Merry-Go-Rounds 0 0.00 0.00
301 Springs & Leaves For Springs 0 0.00 0.00
302 Hard Rubber 0 0.00 0.00
303 Insulating Fittings For Assembly 0 0.00 -99.91
304 Glass Mirrors 0 0.00 0.00
305 Clocks With Watch Movement 0 0.00 0.00
306 Bras 0 0.00 0.00
307 Festive & Entertainment Art 0 0.00 0.00
308 Dental Preparations 0 0.00 0.00
309 Microscopes 0 0.00 0.00
310 Acrylic Polymers 0 0.00 0.00