Lemons and limes market in French Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in French Polynesia grew from 490.4 tonnes in 2018 to 518.5 tonnes in 2019, then moderated to 499.9 tonnes in 2020.

In 2021, volume fell to 473.2 tonnes. That year, the government launched the Agriculture Master Plan 2021-2030, which aimed to revitalise local crop production, including citrus. This policy framework likely helped drive a strong rebound in 2022, when the market surged by over 100 tonnes to reach 575.3 tonnes.

Market volume stabilised at 566.6 tonnes in 2023. During this period, rising food prices contributed to inflationary pressures, affecting production costs and consumer spending. At the same time, robust consumer preference for locally grown limes – a staple in traditional Polynesian cuisine – continued to support demand, while initiatives such as a green fund for sustainable agriculture and improved access to municipal market stalls reinforced the sector's foundations.

Production lemons and limes in French Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, lemon and lime production in French Polynesia declined. In 2020, production reached 497.0 t, marking a 2.2% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 26.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 508.0 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a 22.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lemons and limes from French Polynesia

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 41-fold difference between these years. In 2020, lemon and lime deliveries from French Polynesia totaled 20 kg, representing a sharp 900.0% increase compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 41 kg. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 95.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 4 000.0% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, exports were entirely focused on France, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with an 85-fold difference between these years. In 2020, lemon and lime shipments from French Polynesia abroad totaled 168 US dollars, which is 281.8% higher than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 198 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 77.8% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 with an 8 433.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the market structure was highly concentrated, with France alone responsible for 100.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to French Polynesia

Imports in kind, kg

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and dropped to their lowest point in 2020, with a 5.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the volume of lemon and lime imports to French Polynesia amounted to 2 942 kg, marking a steep 71.8% drop compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 10.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United States played the leading role in imports in kind, with a share of 74.5% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

French Polynesia's volume of lemon and lime imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 21 425 US dollars, which is 45.7% lower compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 59.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 25.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States concentrated 77.0% of total imports in value terms, while the rest of the volume was shared by many countries with smaller individual shares.

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

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