Lemons and limes market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lemons and limes in the GCC saw considerable expansion from 2018 to 2023, with domestic production more than doubling from 65.1 thousand tons to 134.5 thousand tons. Overall market volume, however, experienced significant fluctuations, driven primarily by changes in import levels. It grew from 239.4 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 431.5 thousand tons in 2022, before contracting to 335.9 thousand tons in 2023.

In 2024, imports rebounded sharply to 371.9 thousand tons, indicating a resurgence in demand. This aligns with broader industry trends highlighting growing consumer preference for healthy beverage options like lemonade and the expanding use of lemon essential oil in the food and personal care sectors within the Middle East. The increased activity of major global players and the rising demand for natural juice concentrates are supporting this import growth.

Production lemons and limes in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

GCC's production of lemons and limes has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 82 035 tonnes, marking a significant 21.1% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 30.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

The market experienced volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, GCC exported 67.3 thousand tonnes of lemons and limes, showing a sharp 30.6% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.0%, while the biggest jump was in 2018, with an 84.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export landscape for lemons and limes was diverse. Iraq accounted for 18.9% of exports in kind, Iran for 8.7%, and Yemen for 2.9%, together making up 30.5% of total flows. The remaining 69.5% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over this period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.6 times. In 2020, GCC exported 76.1 million US dollars worth of lemons and limes, up 10.4% from the previous year. The maximum value was in 2018 at 79.2 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, at 12.9%, and the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 155.8% surge.

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

During 2017–2020, key buyers of GCC's lemons and limes in value terms included Iraq with 24.8% of exports, Iran with 14.3%, and South Africa with 1.9%. However, their combined share reached only 40.9% of total exports, leaving 59.1% to be distributed among numerous other partners.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

GCC's imports of lemons and limes have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 363.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 44.0% gain year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 227.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 33.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the core sources for imports in kind were South Africa with 39.2%, Turkey with 19.8%, and Vietnam with 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 72.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

GCC's imports of lemons and limes in value terms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 280.9 million US dollars, corresponding to a 24.5% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 211.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest contributors to imports in value terms were South Africa with 44.8%, Turkey with 14.2%, and Vietnam with 13.3%. Collectively, they accounted for 72.2% of total import flows.

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

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