Lemons and limes market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for lemons and limes in Middle Africa declined from 17 845 t to 15 945 t. The early years saw stabilized agricultural input prices after a 2017 surge, providing more predictable conditions for local growers. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily boosted demand for lemons due to perceived health benefits, influencing prices, while overall market volume contracted sharply as imports fell.

By 2022, rising international freight costs led major operators to refocus on the domestic market, supporting local production. Simultaneously, the war in Ukraine triggered fertilizer shortages and price inflation, raising cultivation expenses. Government measures, including an 80% reduction in maritime freight rates for imported goods, helped cushion the agro-food sector from logistical disruptions.

In 2023, slower growth in import spending and continued state support contributed to market stabilization around 15 900 t. Production remained steady, while imports kept declining, maintaining the market's reliance on local output.

Production lemons and limes in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Middle Africa produced 15 024 tonnes of lemons and limes, marking the highest output in recent years. Production remained stable in 2020 at 15 017 tonnes, showing a slight year-on-year decrease of 0.8% from the 2019 peak.

Annual dynamics of production in Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Lemons and limes production in Middle Africa increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, with output valued at 16 264 thousand US dollars, representing a 2.2% year-on-year rise. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 8.9%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 14 194 thousand US dollars, which saw a significant decline of 20.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Middle Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 9.3-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, lemons and limes shipments from Middle Africa to abroad amounted to 16 tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 19.2% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a surge of 460.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Portugal, and Singapore were the leading buyers of lemons and limes from Middle Africa in terms of volume. Spain accounted for 4.4% of exports in kind, Portugal for 3.7%, and Singapore for 0.7%. Together, these three countries represented 8.8% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period, with export values fluctuating 8.2 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 17 thousand US dollars worth of lemons and limes, reflecting a decline of 17.4% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 21 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 343.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain, Portugal, and Singapore were important buyers of lemons and limes from Middle Africa in value terms. Spain accounted for 10.3% of exports, Portugal for 9.6%, and Singapore for 2.5%. Their combined share reached 22.4% of total exports in value, with the remaining 77.6% distributed among many other trading partners.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Lemons and limes shipments to Middle Africa from abroad declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, with imports totaling approximately 1 041 tonnes, a decrease of 32.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 63.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -28.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 948 tonnes, which saw a modest increase of 3.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 48.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—South Africa, Portugal, and Egypt—together accounted for 88.3% of total imports in kind of lemons and limes to Middle Africa.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of lemons and limes imports to Middle Africa declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, with imports coming to 721 thousand US dollars, marking a decrease of 54.5% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 69.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -32.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Portugal, and Spain were the leading suppliers of lemons and limes to Middle Africa in value terms. South Africa accounted for 59.9% of imports, Portugal for 15.0%, and Spain for 8.8%. Their combined share reached 83.8% of total imports in value.

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

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