Lemons and limes market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, Guatemala's lemons and limes market saw a sustained decline in both production and volume, with output falling from 127.6 thousand tons to 93.1 thousand tons. This contraction was driven by a combination of adverse climatic factors and the spread of crop diseases, which reduced yields, alongside severe and recurring water shortages that limited irrigation for commercial plantations. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains, intensifying the downward trend.

The market rebounded in 2023, with production recovering to 103.4 thousand tons and market volume reaching 97.5 thousand tons. Despite persistent water scarcity affecting irrigation, the sector was supported by steady export demand, particularly from the United States and the European Union, where Guatemala's predominant Persian lime variety holds a strong position. The role of major exporters, such as Exportadora de Cítricos, S.A., highlighted the importance of international trade for the industry's resilience.

Production lemons and limes in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Guatemala ranked as the 19th largest global producer of lemons and limes.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Guatemala's production of lemons and limes fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 116.3 thousand tons, marking a 7.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 11.7%, with an average annual decline of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Guatemala's lemons and limes production value also declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 86.3 million US dollars, a sharp 11.9% year-on-year fall. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 31.2%, translating to an average annual drop of 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Guatemala in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

Guatemala's exports of lemons and limes decreased for the second straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 4 947 tons, down 16.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 22.3%, with an average annual decline of 8.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 679 tons, which saw a 36.2% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 31.7% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for Guatemala's lemons and limes exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 31.5% of exports, the United States for 22.6%, and the United Kingdom for 21.0%. Together, these three countries represented 75.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Guatemala's lemons and limes export value also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 671 thousand US dollars, a 20.5% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value dropped by 39.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 15.4%. The peak value was in 2018 at 8 387 thousand US dollars, which saw a 38.4% increase. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 45.0% drop.

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

In terms of value from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Iraq, and the United States were the leading markets for Guatemala's lemons and limes exports. The Netherlands held a 25.3% share, Iraq 24.0%, and the United States 16.8%. Combined, these three countries made up 66.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

Guatemala's imports of lemons and limes showed significant fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports were approximately 167 tons, a sharp 30.7% increase from 2019. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 258 tons, which saw a 340.0% surge. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 50.3% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras were the primary sources for Guatemala's lemons and limes imports by volume. Mexico accounted for 46.0% of imports, El Salvador for 17.4%, and Honduras for 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 78.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market for lemons and limes imports into Guatemala was volatile during these years. Import value hit its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.9-fold difference. In 2020, import value totaled 213 thousand US dollars, nearly doubling with a 99.9% increase from 2019. The highest value was in 2018 at 238 thousand US dollars, which saw a 188.6% rise. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 55.2% drop.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Mexico, El Salvador, and the United States were the key sources for Guatemala's lemons and limes imports by value. Mexico held a 53.7% share, El Salvador 16.2%, and the United States 12.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 82.7% of total import value.

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

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