Lemons and limes market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, India's lemon and lime market volume expanded steadily from 3 133 thousand tons to 3 667 thousand tons. The country's position as the world's largest producer, supported by efficient farming practices and favorable agroclimatic conditions, provided a strong foundation for this growth.

This trend was interrupted in 2021 when unusual rainfall and cyclones in major producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat damaged crops, reducing the market volume to 3 530 thousand tons. The market rebounded in 2022, reaching 3 764 thousand tons, driven primarily by a surge in consumer demand during summer heatwaves, which significantly boosted consumption for hydration and refreshment.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 3 776 thousand tons, supported by sustained domestic demand and significant export activity, with India shipping approximately 11 million kilograms of lemons and limes abroad.

Production lemons and limes in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India held the top position globally in the production of lemons and limes.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

India's production of lemons and limes grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 3,687 thousand tonnes, marking a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 56%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of lemons and limes production in India decreased. In 2020, output was valued at 1,810 million US dollars, down 1.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 43%, averaging 12.7% per year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,836 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 28.2% also occurring that year.

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

Exports lemons and limes from India

Exports in kind, t

After declining for two years, India's exports of lemons and limes rebounded. In 2020, the country exported 19,842 tonnes, a 63.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 21.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 12,155 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India's exports of lemons and limes were primarily directed to the United Arab Emirates and Nepal, which together accounted for 88.2% of total shipments, with other destinations playing a minor role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, the value of lemons and limes exports from India increased. In 2020, exports reached 9,741 thousand US dollars, up 52.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6,410 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline of 23.6% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal remained the top markets for India's lemons and limes exports in value terms, together representing 80.9% of total flows, with other partners contributing less significantly.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to India

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 37 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 105 tonnes, a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India imported 102 tonnes of lemons and limes, a 2.6% decrease year-over-year. The largest decline of 7.9% was in 2018, while the largest increase of 181.2% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt (26.4% of imports in kind), the United Arab Emirates (23.8%), and Turkey (22.4%) accounted for the largest share of India's lemons and limes imports, together making up 72.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value was observed in 2018 at 40 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 91 thousand US dollars, a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.3 times. In 2020, India's imports of lemons and limes amounted to 66 thousand US dollars, down 27.7% from the previous year. The largest increase of 128.5% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for India's imports of lemons and limes in value terms were Turkey (31.1% of imports in value terms), Egypt (19.2%), and South Africa (17.9%), which together accounted for 68.3% of total flows.

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

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