Lemons and limes market in Malta

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in Malta held steady at 1 273 t in 2018 and 2019, coinciding with the launch of the National Agricultural Policy for the Maltese Islands 2018-2028, which established a framework to reshape the agricultural sector including citrus production. Consumption then declined to 1 068 t in 2020 and further to 940 t in 2021.

A recovery began in 2022, with the market expanding to 1 217 t and reaching 1 453 t in 2023. This growth aligned with several key developments: the Malta Food Agency assumed management of local food markets, a €10 million Farmers Market project was announced in Ta’ Qali to support local agriculture, and the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan was implemented to enhance sector resilience and diversification.

Import volumes increased to 1 510 t in 2024, supported by shifting consumer preferences and the introduction of price reduction measures on over 400 food items from February 2024. Global supply chain factors, including rising freight rates, also influenced import dynamics.

Production lemons and limes in Malta

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Malta produced 270.0 tonnes of lemons and limes, marking a significant decline of 22.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 24.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 12.9%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Malta

According to market overview data, Malta did not export any lemons or limes between 2017 and 2020.

Imports lemons and limes to Malta

Imports in kind, t

Imports of lemons and limes into Malta declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point, while in 2020 they stood at 798.4 tonnes, representing a 13.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 11.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 963.0 tonnes, with the largest increase of 6.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands were the primary sources for Malta's lemon and lime imports, accounting for 29.0%, 25.3%, and 24.6% of total import volume, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 78.9% of all imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of lemons and limes imported into Malta declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 197 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 5.5% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value dropped by 13.8%, with an average annual decline of 4.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 527 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 10.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with a 17.1% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain were the top three markets for Malta's lemon and lime imports in value terms, collectively accounting for 82.5% of total import value.

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

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