Lemons and limes market in New Caledonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market for lemons and limes in New Caledonia experienced notable fluctuations, with volume peaking at 987.7 tons in 2020 before declining to 898.4 tons by 2023. This overall reduction was primarily due to a sustained decrease in domestic production, which fell from 939 tons in 2018 to 844.5 tons in 2023.

Imports initially rose from 44 tons in 2018 to 84.2 tons in 2022, partially offsetting the drop in production. However, imports fell to 54.7 tons in 2023, while exports varied significantly, dropping to just 0.8 tons in the same year, which slightly increased domestic availability but did not prevent the market contraction.

Production lemons and limes in New Caledonia

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, New Caledonia produced 955 tonnes of lemons and limes, marking a modest 3.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 15.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 1.6%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, with a 13.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lemons and limes from New Caledonia

Exports in kind, kg

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 360 kg, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 36 999 kg, representing a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, lemons and limes shipments from New Caledonia to abroad reached 21 650 kg, showing a sharp 41.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018, with a 44.0% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a 126.2% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for lemons and limes exports from New Caledonia, accounting for 99.2% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 98.1 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 342.9 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 3.5-fold gap. In 2020, lemons and limes shipments from New Caledonia to abroad amounted to 174.1 thousand US dollars, marking a 49.2% decline from the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, with a 58.5% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a 249.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, 99.8% of the total value of lemons and limes exports from New Caledonia was directed to New Zealand, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to New Caledonia

Imports in kind, kg

New Caledonia's lemons and limes imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the import volume was recorded at 54 351 kg, reflecting a robust 15.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.8%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 43 975 kg, and the largest decline occurred that same year, with a 22.2% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia remained the key partner countries for lemons and limes imports by volume, jointly accounting for 94.3% of total flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

New Caledonia's lemons and limes import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 140.0 thousand US dollars, which is 52.3% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 47.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 65.4 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year, with a 31.0% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia remained the main markets for lemons and limes imports by value, jointly accounting for 93.6% of total flows, while other partners formed the remaining share.

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

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