Lemons and limes market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lemons and limes in Greece opened the period at 94 759 tons in 2018, then declined to 90 721 tons in 2019. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted demand for lemons as consumers sought vitamin C-rich products, raising the market volume to 94 064 tons. The market stabilized in 2021 at 93 848 tons.

A pronounced expansion followed in 2022, supported by European Commission funding for the promotion of agricultural products including lemons and the finalization of the EU lemon market Directive's transposition into national law. These measures helped drive the market to 102 995 tons. However, in 2023 the market volume fell sharply to 82 089 tons.

Production lemons and limes in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Greece was among the world's leading producers of lemons and limes from 2017 to 2020, ranking 21st globally by production volume.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Greece produced 87 190 tonnes of lemons and limes, marking a 6.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 88 400 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 16.0% also occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 6.9%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Exports of lemons and limes from Greece have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 18 665 tonnes, showing a substantial increase of 27.5% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 138.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 33.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania were the key export partners for Greece's lemons and limes in volume terms. Bulgaria accounted for 34.2% of exports, Romania for 17.8%, and Albania for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 62.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for lemons and limes from Greece exhibited volatility during the observed period. The minimum export value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2020, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 17 149 thousand US dollars, an 86.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 10.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia were the primary destinations for Greece's lemon and lime exports in value terms. Romania accounted for 24.5% of exports, Bulgaria for 19.5%, and Serbia for 8.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 53.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Imports of lemons and limes into Greece have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 25 539 tonnes, up 10.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 20 267 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 17.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 14.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Turkey were the main suppliers of lemons and limes to Greece in volume terms. Argentina contributed 47.9% of imports, the Netherlands 12.6%, and Turkey 11.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.9% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Greece's imports of lemons and limes in value terms rebounded in 2020. Imports reached 27 884 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 14.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 24 401 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 11.5% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, the Netherlands, and South Africa were the leading sources of lemons and limes imports to Greece in value terms. Argentina accounted for 48.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 16.5%, and South Africa for 9.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 74.6% of total import flows.

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

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