Lemons and limes market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The lemon and lime market in the MENA region contracted in 2019, with volume falling to 1 780 thousand tons from 1 876 thousand tons the previous year. This decline coincided with Egypt's increased focus on citrus exports, supported by investments in cold chains, which boosted outbound shipments and reduced domestic availability.

From 2020 onward, the market entered a steady expansion phase, reaching 2 040 thousand tons by 2023. Imports remained elevated, particularly in 2020 and 2021, helping to meet growing regional demand despite fluctuating export levels.

In 2024, Egyptian government subsidies for fertilizers lowered production costs, while PepsiCo's rebranding of 7UP in the region signaled renewed marketing efforts for lemon-flavored beverages, both supporting future market development.

Production lemons and limes in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year contraction, MENA's lemons and limes production has shown signs of recovery. In 2020, the region produced 1 461 K t, maintaining the same level as in 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 4.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.5%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 458 K t, with the most significant year-on-year drop occurring that same year at 3.1%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for lemons and limes from MENA exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 36.3 K t and peaked in 2019 at 75.7 K t, representing a 2.1-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, cross-border shipments totaled 54.8 K t, marking a decrease of 27.6% compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018 at 27.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a remarkable 108.4% growth.

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

The geographical distribution of MENA's lemons and limes exports in volume terms was quite dispersed between 2017 and 2020. Russia accounted for 6.8% of exports, followed by Mauritania at 3.0% and Afghanistan at 2.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 11.7% of total export flows, with the remaining 88.3% distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MENA's lemons and limes exports in value terms have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 147.9 M $ US, showing a robust increase of 11.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 101.1%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia was the largest buyer of MENA's lemons and limes in value terms, accounting for 5.6% of exports. Hong Kong followed with 1.8%, and Malaysia with 1.5%. Together, these three markets represented 8.9% of total export value, while the majority of exports were distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, MENA's imports of lemons and limes in volume terms have rebounded. In 2020, the region imported 536.8 K t, representing a significant 34.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 398.5 K t, while the most substantial decrease occurred in 2018 at 5.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets dominated MENA's imports of lemons and limes in volume terms. Turkey, South Africa, and Vietnam together accounted for 73.4% of total imports, highlighting their significant role in the region's supply chain.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

MENA's imports of lemons and limes in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 416.2 M $ US, showing a sharp rise of 29.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 29.8%, which equates to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 310.7 M $ US, with the most significant decline occurring that same year at 3.1%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, South Africa was the leading source of MENA's lemons and limes imports in value terms, accounting for 35.8% of total imports. Turkey followed with 21.5%, and Vietnam with 9.4%. Together, these three countries represented 66.7% of total import value, forming the core of the region's import structure.

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

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