Lemons and limes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in China declined from 2.45 million tons in 2018 to 2.15 million tons in 2020. This contraction coincided with intense competition and overcapacity in the citral industry, a key processing sector, where low plant utilization reduced demand for raw lemons. However, in 2021, volume rebounded to 2.33 million tons, driven by growing consumer demand for fresh lemons and processed products like vitamin C-rich lemon juice, alongside the continuous expansion of major growing regions.

After 2021, the market volume gradually decreased again, reaching 2.26 million tons in 2023. This was influenced by persistent oversupply in the citric acid industry, where capacity expansion and low raw material prices pressured profitability and dampened processing demand for lemons. Meanwhile, competition in the lemon beverage market spurred product innovation and health-oriented offerings, though these developments did not fully counter the downward pressure from derivative sectors.

Throughout the period, the market diversified with new segments like lemon salt as a healthy seasoning and saw efforts to enhance supply chain resilience. In key producing regions such as Sichuan Anyue, the implementation of disaster warning systems and price index platforms helped mitigate climate and market risks, contributing to industry stability amid volume fluctuations.

Production lemons and limes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained the third position globally in terms of lemon and lime production volume.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

World map of production of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

China's lemon and lime production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 2 231 K t, which is 4.8% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 2.6%, averaging a 0.9% annual decline. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 2 483 K t, with an 8.4% increase that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's lemon and lime production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 970 M $ US, representing a 12.2% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 35.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from China

Exports in kind, t

China's lemon and lime export volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 94 835 t, marking a 19.5% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 365.3%, with a CAGR of 67.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines (21.5% of exports in kind), Russia (17.9%), and Indonesia (12.5%) formed the core group of markets for China's lemon and lime exports in kind, together accounting for 51.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

China's lemon and lime export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 168.7 M $ US, representing a significant 10.2% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 207.8%, with a CAGR of 45.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines (23.2% of exports in value terms), Indonesia (15.5%), and Malaysia (13.6%) were the main markets for China's lemon and lime exports in value terms, together accounting for 52.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports lemons and limes to China

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, China's lemon and lime imports increased. In 2020, imports totaled 10 038 t, indicating a limited uptick of 6.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.4%, with a CAGR of -8.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 038 t, following the largest decline of 19.9% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa (21.1% of imports in kind), Asia, not elsewhere specified (20.3%), and Egypt (18.8%) were the key sources for China's lemon and lime imports in kind, together representing 60.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

China's lemon and lime import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 15.7 M $ US, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 49.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -20.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa (26.5% of imports in value terms), Egypt (17.9%), and the United States (15.7%) were the main destinations for China's lemon and lime imports in value terms, together accounting for 60.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020