Lemons and limes market in Georgia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for lemons and limes in Georgia declined from 4 881 t to 3 801 t. This contraction occurred despite rising imports, as a more than tenfold increase in exports over the period and a drop in domestic output, constrained by the frost damage risk that limits yields on approximately 1 000 hectares of plantations, reduced the volume available for local consumption.

The market rebounded to 5 362 t in 2021 when export volumes temporarily fell back and imports peaked. However, the market shrank again in the following two years, reaching 3 470 t in 2023, as exports continued their ascent to over 4 200 t. Imports from Turkey, while remaining substantial, could not offset this outflow, leading to a smaller domestic market.

In 2024, first-quarter imports saw a slight reduction, yet the market's reliance on Turkish supply persists. Concurrently, growing consumer interest in natural and health-beneficial products is supporting lemon consumption in areas like hair care, reflecting evolving demand patterns.

Production lemons and limes in Georgia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. In 2017, production reached its lowest point, while 2018 saw the highest output with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.7 times. In 2020, Georgia produced 1 500 tons of lemons and limes, representing a 31.8% decrease from the previous year. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 400 tons, which also marked the largest annual increase of 71.4%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Georgia

Exports in kind, t

Georgia's exports of lemons and limes have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 3 033 tons, reflecting a dramatic 180.2% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 1 445.7%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 149.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Armenia remained the primary export market in volume terms, accounting for 84.0% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Georgia's export value of lemons and limes has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 959 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 116.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 688.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 99.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Armenia dominated the export market in value terms, capturing 77.1% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Georgia

Imports in kind, t

Georgia's imports of lemons and limes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported [value_last_year] tons, equivalent to a 55.6% gain relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 149.8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 35.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey was the leading source of imports in volume terms, representing 81.5% of total flows. Other markets accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Georgia's import value of lemons and limes has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2 420 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 30.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 82.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 267 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 46.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (53.4% of import value), the Netherlands (17.1%), and South Africa (16.6%) formed the core group of import markets in value terms, together representing 87.1% of total flows.

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

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