Lemons and limes market in Jordan

Earlier Report Observations

The lemons and limes market in Jordan showed notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Market volume grew from 47,659 t in 2018 to 53,608 t in 2019, before contracting for two consecutive years to 41,291 t in 2021. This was followed by a period of recovery, with the market expanding to 56,573 t by 2023.

A severe water scarcity crisis in 2022 pressured local agricultural output and contributed to high prices. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture opened the market to regulated imports, granting licenses to 110 traders, and implemented plans to support farmers with technology and financing to enhance productivity. These measures helped stabilize supply and were followed by a significant rebound in domestic production, which surged to 49,779 t in 2023, driving the overall market volume to its highest point in the period.

Production lemons and limes in Jordan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Jordan's production of lemons and limes declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 30 573 tonnes, which represents a 21.9% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.6%, averaging an annual decline of 4.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 39 158 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.5%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Jordan

Exports in kind, t

Jordan's exports of lemons and limes reached 512 tonnes in 2020, marking a significant 37.6% improvement from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 43.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 372 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 980 tonnes. The most substantial decline took place in 2019, when exports dropped by 62.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain were the leading destinations for Jordan's lemons and limes exports by volume. Saudi Arabia accounted for 30.9% of exports, Kuwait for 25.8%, and Bahrain for 22.0%. Together, these three countries represented 78.7% of Jordan's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility throughout the timeframe. Export values reached their lowest point in 2019 at 354 thousand US dollars, then surged to 1 310 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 270.4% increase and a 3.7-fold difference between these two years. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when export values fell by 71.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq were the top buyers of Jordan's lemons and limes by value. Saudi Arabia led with 32.3% of export value, followed by Kuwait at 20.1% and Iraq at 16.8%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 69.2% of Jordan's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Jordan

Imports in kind, t

Jordan's imports of lemons and limes totaled 14 789 tonnes in 2020, showing minimal change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.2%, averaging an annual decline of 4.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 512 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decrease of 19.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt dominated Jordan's imports of lemons and limes by volume, accounting for 71.5% of total flows. Other source countries contributed relatively small shares during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Jordan's imports of lemons and limes by value rebounded in 2020, reaching 18 996 thousand US dollars—a 62.5% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import values decreased by 3.0%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 11 692 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 23.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt was the dominant source for Jordan's lemons and limes imports by value, capturing 74.1% of total flows. Other trading partners accounted for the remaining share.

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

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