Lemons and limes market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the North American lemons and limes market expanded steadily, with volume rising from 881 thousand tons to 1 059 thousand tons. This growth was supported by a global increase in production and consumption, as well as rising consumer demand for fresh and healthy products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulatory efforts in the United States, such as the standardization of seedless lemon definitions, helped improve market transparency. Additionally, enhancements in cold-chain logistics and customs efficiency facilitated smoother trade flows between the U.S. and Mexico.

The market contracted sharply in 2021 to 925 thousand tons, primarily due to a drop in domestic production. While record imports from Mexico partially offset the decline, adverse weather conditions in California and Florida continued to constrain output. Recovery followed in 2022, with volume jumping to 1 080 thousand tons as production rebounded by 19%. That year, Sunkist assumed sales and marketing management for fresh citrus, introducing a new dynamic to the market structure. By 2023, volume stabilized at 1 068 thousand tons, with persistent climatic challenges limiting domestic growth but higher imports maintaining supply.

Throughout the period, U.S. regulatory updates on labeling and traceability, along with shifts in consumer preferences toward specific demographic groups, shaped market evolution. Logistics and customs management at the southern border remained critical, affecting availability and costs. The market value mirrored volume trends, reaching over $1.3 billion in 2023, up from $1.1 billion in 2018.

Production lemons and limes in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Northern America's lemon and lime production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 983.4 thousand tons of lemons and limes, marking a steady increase of 8.2% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern America's lemon and lime production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 124 million US dollars, up 7.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 961 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 0.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Northern America's lemon and lime exports have rebounded. In 2020, the region exported 0.0 thousand tons, a 7.2% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 17.1%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 6.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 thousand tons, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 20.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and Jamaica were the primary destinations for Northern America's lemon and lime exports in volume terms, together accounting for 83.4% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Northern America's lemon and lime exports have shown a modest recovery. In 2020, exports reached 0.0 million US dollars, reflecting a slight gain of 6.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 21.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 7.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 21.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France and Jamaica were the top two destinations for Northern America's lemon and lime exports in value terms, together making up 83.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, lemon and lime imports into Northern America have increased. In 2020, import volume totaled 75.9 thousand tons, up 1.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 60.8%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 26.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 74.7 thousand tons, with the largest drop in 2018 at 61.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain were the main sources of lemon and lime imports into Northern America in volume terms. Mexico accounted for 31.9% of imports, South Africa for 16.9%, and Spain for 10.5%, together representing 59.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Northern America's lemon and lime imports have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 128.2 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 0.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 4.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 1.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 137.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 2.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain led the ranking of suppliers for lemon and lime imports into Northern America in value terms. Mexico contributed 25.6% of imports, South Africa 16.0%, and Spain 9.9%, with their combined share reaching 51.4% of total import value.

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

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