The Lebanese pound has exhibited a degree of stabilization in recent weeks, trading at approximately 89,000 LBP per dollar, but experts caution that lasting recovery hinges on fundamental economic reforms. While the exchange rate has remained “semi-fixed” at this level, the underlying issues plaguing the Lebanese economy remain largely unaddressed.
The current situation represents a significant shift from the dramatic devaluation the pound has experienced since late 2019, when it began losing over 90% of its value against the US dollar. As of the latest update on February 6, 2026, the USD/LBP exchange rate stood at 85,550.0000, a 4.47% decrease from the previous session, according to Trading Economics. Over the past month, the Lebanese pound has actually strengthened by 4.47%, and is up 4.41% over the last 12 months.
However, this recent strengthening should not be mistaken for a full recovery. The crisis stems from deep-seated political and economic problems, including a deeply divided parliament that has repeatedly failed to elect a president – reaching an 11th unsuccessful attempt as of recent reports. This political paralysis has exacerbated the country’s economic woes, leading to a severe shortage of dollars and making it increasingly difficult for citizens to access basic necessities like food, and medicine.
The situation has plunged three-quarters of the Lebanese population into poverty. The pound’s previous value of 1,500 to the dollar now seems a distant memory, highlighting the scale of the economic collapse. As of January 15, 2025, the exchange rate was 0.00001117 USD per Lebanese pound, illustrating the diminished purchasing power of the local currency.
Global currency markets have also been active. The US dollar saw its strongest weekly performance in a month, as reported by multiple sources. This strength is occurring amidst a period of relative calm in the markets as investors await key US economic data releases. The dollar was trading at 97.63 points, with some analysts noting a potential resistance level around 98.00.
The broader context of global currency movements shows the USD trading at 89,293.8400 LBP as of , according to Google Finance. Other currency pairs show the Euro at 105,585.5000 LBP, the Japanese Yen at 569.2946 LBP, the British Pound at 121,642.3000 LBP, the Australian Dollar at 62,653.0228 LBP, the Canadian Dollar at 65,348.4199 LBP, the Swiss Franc at 115,090.2946 LBP, the Chinese Yuan at 12,884.1903 LBP, the Swedish Krona at 9,910.7322 LBP, the New Zealand Dollar at 53,763.8211 LBP.
While the Lebanese pound’s recent stabilization is a welcome development, that Here’s not a sustainable solution without comprehensive reforms. Economic expert Walid Abu Suleiman emphasizes that the current exchange rate is “semi-fixed,” suggesting it is not driven by organic market forces but rather by intervention or control measures. Without addressing the underlying political and economic issues, the pound remains vulnerable to further devaluation.
The Lebanese crisis is a complex one, rooted in years of mismanagement, corruption, and political instability. The failure to elect a president has only deepened the crisis, hindering the implementation of necessary reforms. The country’s financial system is in dire need of restructuring, and a clear economic plan is essential to restore confidence and attract investment.
The situation in Lebanon serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sound economic policies and political stability. Without these fundamental elements, even temporary stabilization measures are unlikely to yield lasting results. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, but the responsibility for resolving the crisis lies with the Lebanese government and its ability to overcome its internal divisions and implement meaningful reforms.
