Lemons and limes market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lemons and limes in El Salvador expanded significantly from 2018 to 2019, with production rising from 18 thousand tons to 26 thousand tons and market volume growing to 26 thousand tons. This upward trend was interrupted in 2020 when production dropped to 21 thousand tons, primarily due to an outbreak of HLB (Huanglongbing) disease that severely reduced yields of Persian lemons, despite efforts to adopt organic recovery technologies.

Production continued to decline in 2021, falling to 14 thousand tons, while market volume shrank to 15 thousand tons. By 2022, the market stabilized with production at 14 thousand tons and volume at 16 thousand tons, coinciding with the launch of a government support program. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock began promoting lemon cultivation through technical and phytosanitary projects, including the planting of 3,000 manzanas with disease-resistant varieties, alongside constant price monitoring to maintain stability for this basic staple.

A strong recovery occurred in 2023, with production rebounding to 20 thousand tons and market volume reaching 22 thousand tons. This growth was supported by ongoing state assistance to citrus growers and a reduction in import competition, as social protests in Guatemala during October disrupted the supply of Guatemalan fruits to Salvadoran markets, altering local market dynamics.

Production lemons and limes in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2018-2021

World map of production of lemons and limes, 2018-2021

El Salvador's production of lemons and limes declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 13 822 tonnes, marking a significant year-on-year drop of 32.8%. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 23.6%, with an average annual decline rate of 8.6%. Production peaked in 2019 at 26 440 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 46.2% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports lemons and limes from El Salvador

Exports in kind, t

El Salvador's exports of lemons and limes decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 589 tonnes, representing a substantial decline of 13.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports dropped by 49%, with an average annual decrease of 20.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Costa Rica accounted for 72.5% of El Salvador's total lemon and lime exports by volume, with the remaining exports distributed among various smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of lemons and limes exported from El Salvador fell for the second year running. In 2021, exports amounted to 637.2 thousand US dollars, a 19.5% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export values declined by 13%, with an average annual drop of 4.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 984.0 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 34.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a 19.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, Costa Rica consistently represented 86.7% of El Salvador's total lemon and lime exports by value, highlighting a strong reliance on this market, while other countries shared the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021

Imports lemons and limes to El Salvador

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed an unstable trend over this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 160-fold difference between these years. In 2021, El Salvador imported 2 144 tonnes of lemons and limes, a 5.2% decrease from 2020. The highest import volume was in 2020 at 2 263 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 2 366.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Guatemala dominated El Salvador's lemon and lime imports by volume, accounting for 92.3% of the total.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this timeframe. Import values hit their lowest in 2018 and peaked in 2020, showing a 229-fold swing. In 2021, El Salvador imported approximately 414.4 thousand US dollars worth of lemons and limes, reflecting a solid decrease of 18.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 507.1 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2019, jumping by 3 209.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Guatemala was the central partner for El Salvador's lemon and lime imports by value, holding an 84.3% share of total flows, with other markets playing a less significant role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021