Lemons and limes market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in Malaysia expanded consistently from 39 359 t in 2018 to 55 373 t in 2023, a 41% increase over the period. This growth was primarily driven by rising imports, which more than doubled from 22 068 t to 40 488 t, while domestic production fluctuated between 18 000 t and 20 000 t before declining to 17 882 t in 2023. The most notable surge occurred in 2021, when market volume jumped by 14% to 48 887 t.

In 2023, the market continued to grow despite a drop in local production. Disease outbreaks in honey lime plantations reduced domestic supply, but persistently high demand for kaffir lime, lime, and calamansi maintained market momentum. This demand, coupled with the commercial value of kaffir lime leaves for essential oil production, supported import volumes. However, pest infestations like thrips during dry seasons occasionally affected fruit quality and consumer preference, particularly among Chinese buyers.

Production lemons and limes in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2018-2021

World map of production of lemons and limes, 2018-2021

Malaysia's production of lemons and limes saw a modest recovery in 2021 after two consecutive years of decline. The country produced 18 729 tonnes, marking a slight increase of 2.6% from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 5.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest point was recorded in 2020, with output dropping to 18 248 tonnes, representing the steepest decline of 7.5% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

The value of Malaysia's lemons and limes production continued to decline for the third year in a row in 2021. Output was valued at 8 062 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 11.1% decrease compared to 2020. Over the four-year period from 2018 to 2021, production value dropped by 33.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Malaysia's exports of lemons and limes in volume terms reached 3 214 tonnes, showing a strong increase of 20.6% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 24%, averaging an annualized rate of 7.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore was the primary destination for Malaysia's lemons and limes exports in volume, accounting for 89.6% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among a variety of smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Malaysia's exports of lemons and limes in value terms increased in 2021. The country exported 1 384 thousand US dollars worth of lemons and limes, representing a modest year-on-year growth of 4.4%. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value decreased by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 325 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore remained the dominant market for Malaysia's lemons and limes exports in value terms, capturing 80.2% of total flows. The rest was spread across several smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021

Imports lemons and limes to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Malaysia's imports of lemons and limes in volume terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. Import volume reached 33 373 tonnes, reflecting a robust growth of 22.9% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 51.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

During the period from 2018 to 2021, South Africa, China, and Egypt were the leading sources of lemons and limes imports to Malaysia in volume terms. South Africa accounted for 41.8% of imports, China for 22.2%, and Egypt for 10.8%, together making up 74.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Malaysia's imports of lemons and limes in value terms also rose for the third year in a row in 2021. Imports amounted to 31 922 thousand US dollars, showing a strong year-on-year advance of 20.1%. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa, China, and Egypt continued to be the main suppliers of lemons and limes to Malaysia in value terms. South Africa held a 43.2% share of imports, China 25.0%, and Egypt 10.0%, collectively forming 78.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021