Lemons and limes market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in Eastern Asia declined from 2 553 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 2 244 thousand tonnes in 2020, influenced by global supply chain disruptions that affected availability and demand. A recovery to 2 423 thousand tonnes occurred in 2021, coinciding with a boom period in the citric acid industry where capacity expansion and the restoration of foreign trade orders increased the use of lemons for processing.

Market volumes then stabilized around 2 370 thousand tonnes in 2022-2023, even as overcapacity in related sectors persisted. During this period, the rising popularity of fruit-based teas and health-oriented beverages enriched with vitamin C, particularly from 2023 onward, generated additional demand for fresh lemons and limes as key ingredients, supporting consumption levels.

By 2024, product innovations such as low-sodium lemon salt and the continued growth of the ready-to-drink tea segment further emphasized the shift toward health-conscious consumption, reinforcing the role of lemons in the food and beverage industry.

Production lemons and limes in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Eastern Asia's production of lemons and limes has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2,240 thousand tons, marking a gradual decrease of 4.8% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 2,490 thousand tons, with that year also seeing the largest increase of 8.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the steepest drop in production at 5.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of lemons and limes production in Eastern Asia has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3,688 million US dollars, down by 8.4% compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, however, production value actually rose by 2.1%, averaging a 0.7% annual growth rate. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 4,177 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 15.7%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's exports of lemons and limes have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volumes reached 107.8 thousand tons, showing a substantial increase of 14.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 103.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export destinations for lemons and limes from Eastern Asia remained quite diverse. The top three partners—the Philippines (20.8% of exports by volume), Russia (15.0%), and Indonesia (10.5%)—collectively accounted for just 46.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of lemons and limes from Eastern Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 177.4 million US dollars, representing a 9.7% advance over 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 113.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines (21.9% of exports by value), Indonesia (13.7%), and Malaysia (12.1%) were the largest buyers of lemons and limes from Eastern Asia, though none dominated the market. Together, these three countries accounted for 47.8% of total export value, with many smaller partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's imports of lemons and limes have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region imported 112.0 thousand tons, which is 10.6% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States (40.4% of imports by volume), Chile (20.9%), and South Africa (19.8%) stood out as the main sources for lemons and limes imports into Eastern Asia. Together, these three countries represented 81.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of lemons and limes into Eastern Asia have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 189.9 million US dollars, marking a significant decrease of 15.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value dropped by 26.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—the United States, Chile, and South Africa—together absorbed 81.9% of the total value of lemons and limes imported into Eastern Asia.

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

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