Lemons and limes market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Iran's lemon and lime market volume shifted from 488 thousand tons in 2018 to 463.5 thousand tons in 2019, partly due to a heightened export focus to Gulf countries which directed more produce abroad. Production remained anchored in the Fars province, with Jahrom city as a key hub, though the lack of local processing and packaging industries meant some produce was sold under other regional names. By 2020, despite the global pandemic, domestic supply chains were largely unaffected, and a reduction in export volumes helped the market volume recover to 473.2 thousand tons.

The market grew to 500.6 thousand tons in 2021, supported by the increased use of advanced sorting machines that improved fruit quality and grading for both local and export sales, enhancing operational efficiency. In 2022, volume reached 505.5 thousand tons as expanding online platforms and direct farmer-to-buyer connections reduced intermediaries and supported domestic availability. By 2023, the market stabilized at 498.5 thousand tons, maintaining near-peak levels from the prior years.

Production lemons and limes in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran consistently ranked 10th globally in lemon and lime production volume.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Iran produced 490.3 K t of lemons and limes, showing minimal change from 2019. The lowest production level occurred in 2019 at 488.1 K t, while the highest was recorded in 2018 at 501.4 K t. The most significant decline was observed in 2019 with a 2.6% drop, whereas the largest increase happened in 2018 with a 2.5% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Iran's lemon and lime production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 296.6 M $ US, marking a 20.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production value increased by 12.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 372.4 M $ US, with the most substantial increase occurring in 2018 at 20.5%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing a 7.4-fold fluctuation. In 2020, Iran exported 17 078 t of lemons and limes, representing a 30.6% decline from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 24 614 t, while the largest percentage increase occurred in 2018 at 301.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq (64.8% of exports in kind), Afghanistan (14.9%), and Russia (6.3%) constituted the core export destinations, collectively accounting for 86.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated notable volatility over the observed years. Export values fluctuated 10.5-fold between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, lemon and lime exports from Iran were valued at 10 332 K $ US, reflecting a 45.0% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was achieved in 2019 at 18 780 K $ US, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018 at 372.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Iraq (68.8% of exports in value terms), Afghanistan (10.1%), and Russia (8.1%) formed the primary export markets, together representing 87.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Iran

Industry reports indicate that Iran did not import any lemons and limes from 2017 to 2020.