Lemons and limes market in Nepal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the lemons and limes market in Nepal showed consistent growth, with volume rising from 45 thousand tons to over 70 thousand tons. This expansion coincided with government-backed initiatives to support women entrepreneurs through trade fairs and digitalization programs, which helped promote indigenous products and broaden market access. Concurrently, trade facilitation policies and reduced barriers implemented in 2018 likely enhanced the availability and consumption of these citrus fruits.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume contracted by 14% in 2022 to 60 thousand tons, but rebounded by 16% in 2023, returning to approximately 70 thousand tons. These fluctuations may reflect variability in production or market conditions during the period.

Imports of lemons and limes, which contributed significantly to supply, declined from 12.8 thousand tons in 2021 to 8.6 thousand tons in 2023, suggesting a growing share of domestic production in meeting overall market volume in recent years.

Production lemons and limes in Nepal

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Nepal's production of lemons and limes has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 57 912 tonnes, marking a significant 26.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 57.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 36 433 tonnes, with the largest decline that year being 1.1%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Nepal

Exports in kind, t

The export market for lemons and limes from Nepal displayed notable volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at just 1 tonne, before surging to a peak of 5 tonnes in 2020, representing a dramatic 7.3-fold increase between these two years. In 2020, exports jumped by 487.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 84.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal's exports of lemons and limes were entirely concentrated in two markets: India and the United Kingdom, which together accounted for 100.0% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Nepal's lemon and lime exports showed considerable volatility over these years. The lowest point was in 2018, with exports valued at 0.2 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 12 thousand US dollars, reflecting a massive 70-fold increase. In 2020, export value skyrocketed by 5,691.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 54.2%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the United Kingdom dominated Nepal's lemon and lime exports in value terms, accounting for 94.1% of the total, making it the nearly exclusive buyer.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Nepal

Imports in kind, t

Nepal's imports of lemons and limes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volumes reached 10 672 tonnes, showing a robust 14.1% growth compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 123.6%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 30.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, all of Nepal's imports of lemons and limes in volume terms came from a single source: India, which supplied 100.0% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Nepal's lemon and lime imports has also risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 782 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 15.6% increase over 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 166.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 38.6%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Nepal's import market for lemons and limes in value terms was highly concentrated, with India alone responsible for 100.0% of total imports.

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

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