Lemons and limes market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the CIS lemon and lime market volume expanded steadily, reaching 283.6 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was supported by rising global production and increased export supplies from key countries like Mexico, which boosted import availability in the region. However, the pace of growth moderated in 2020 as sanctions and trade barriers, particularly from the US, restrained international trade flows.

A significant jump occurred in 2021, with market volume surging to 306.4 thousand tons. This increase was primarily driven by the emergence of new product segments, including organic and environmentally friendly lemons and limes, which reflected shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options. The trend continued into 2022, with market volume edging up to 309.1 thousand tons, sustained by growing interest in value-added products such as fresh juices.

The market continued its upward trajectory in 2023, reaching 319.2 thousand tons. Import figures for 2024 indicate further growth in supply, pointing to sustained demand in the CIS region.

Production lemons and limes in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, CIS countries produced 19,128 tonnes of lemons and limes, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 56.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20,223 tonnes, which marked a significant increase of 65.8% from the previous year. However, in 2019, production experienced its largest decline, dropping by 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lemons and limes from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of lemons and limes from CIS countries showed considerable volatility during the period. In 2020, exports reached 11.3 thousand tonnes, a substantial increase of 292.9% compared to 2019. The lowest export level was recorded in 2017, with exports in 2020 being 4.5 times higher. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 44.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Mongolia, and Afghanistan were the three principal markets for CIS lemon and lime exports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 24.4% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values for lemons and limes from CIS countries exhibited notable fluctuations. In 2020, exports amounted to 12.1 million US dollars, which represented a significant decline of 23.5% compared to the previous year. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 15.8 million US dollars, marking a substantial increase of 199.8% from 2018. In contrast, the lowest value occurred in 2018 at 5.3 million US dollars, which was a 33.8% decrease from the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018 was threefold.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Ukraine, Mongolia, and Afghanistan remained the key buyers of lemons and limes from CIS countries in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 12.1% of total export value, Mongolia for 0.9%, and Afghanistan for 0.8%. Together, these three markets represented 13.8% of total exports.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of lemons and limes into CIS countries increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 275.8 thousand tonnes, a 4.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 14%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Argentina, and South Africa were the three main sources of lemon and lime imports into CIS countries in volume terms, collectively accounting for 83.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of lemons and limes into CIS countries increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 270.9 million US dollars, a strong advance of 14.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 15.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 223.6 million US dollars, which marked a decline of 5.0% from the previous year.

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

Throughout the 2017–2020 period, Turkey, Argentina, and South Africa remained the dominant sources of lemon and lime imports into CIS countries in value terms, collectively accounting for 82.6% of total import flows.

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

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