Lemons and limes market in Cyprus

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in Cyprus experienced a downward trend from 6 988 tons in 2018 to a low of 4 740 tons in 2022, followed by a recovery to 5 354 tons in 2023. Domestic production consistently declined over this period, while import and export flows showed variability.

The market rebound in 2023 coincided with broader inflationary pressures on food prices and agricultural costs, which affected pricing for fresh produce. However, shifts in consumer behavior led to increased purchases despite higher prices, supporting demand for lemons and limes and contributing to the market's volume growth that year.

In 2024, foreign companies invested in expanding their facilities in Cyprus, signaling continued interest in the local food and beverage market. Additionally, new open-air municipal markets launched in cities like Limassol and Strovolos, enhancing access to fresh local produce. These developments occurred alongside persistent inflation affecting production and distribution costs.

Production lemons and limes in Cyprus

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Cyprus experienced a second consecutive year of declining lemon and lime production. In 2020, the country produced 5 390 tonnes, representing a moderate 5.3% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.9%, with an average annual decline of 4.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 220 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 8.5% decrease, while the largest increase was a modest 0.5% growth in 2018.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Cyprus saw its second straight year of declining lemon and lime production value. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 602 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 12.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 17.9%, translating to an average annual decline of 6.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 5 076 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 19.2% drop, while the largest increase was a 15.6% rise in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Cyprus in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Cyprus

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Cyprus exported 753 tonnes of lemons and limes, representing an 8.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 45.2%, with an average annual decline of 18.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 676 tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2018 with a 50.7% decrease, while the largest increase was a 21.0% rise in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates (21.0% of export volume), Greece (17.0%), and Belgium (16.7%) emerged as the primary markets for Cyprus's lemon and lime exports. Together, these three countries accounted for 54.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Cyprus's lemon and lime exports were valued at 503 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 14.7% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value declined by 48.3%, with an average annual decrease of 19.8%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 43.3% decline, while the largest increase was a 6.9% rise in 2019.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Belgium (18.9% of export value), the United Arab Emirates (18.9%), and Greece (17.0%) remained the principal buyers of Cyprus's lemons and limes. Collectively, these three markets represented 54.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Cyprus

Imports in kind, t

Cyprus recorded a third consecutive year of increasing lemon and lime imports. In 2020, imports reached 1 714 tonnes, showing a 12.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volume grew by 21.4%, with an average annual increase of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina (52.9% of import volume), Greece (18.5%), and the Netherlands (14.5%) served as the main sources for Cyprus's lemon and lime imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Cyprus's lemon and lime imports were valued at 2 209 thousand US dollars, representing a 16.2% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 901 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 9.4% decrease.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Argentina (48.1% of import value), the Netherlands (20.8%), and Greece (18.6%) together accounted for 87.5% of Cyprus's total lemon and lime import value, maintaining their position as the primary sources for these products.

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

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