Lemons and limes market in Rwanda

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lemons and limes in Rwanda began the period at 7 213 t in 2018, influenced by the revised national agricultural policy that year aiming for sustainable growth and food security. A dip to 6 534 t in 2019 coincided with government support for the horticulture sector to maintain export channels during the COVID-19 pandemic, though domestic production and imports temporarily contracted. Market volume recovered to 6 771 t in 2020 as continued state support helped stabilize supply chains.

From 2021 to 2023, the market grew steadily, reaching 7 522 t. This expansion was primarily fueled by a sharp rise in imports, which increased from 593 t in 2020 to 1 386 t in 2023, indicating strong domestic demand. Local production remained stable around 6 100 t during these years.

In 2024, imports surged further to 1 947 t, reflecting ongoing market growth. This was underpinned by several state initiatives, including an increase in the share of agricultural loans to 10%, the development of the Gabiro agribusiness hub, and international cooperation agreements aimed at boosting production and market access. The horticulture sector's target of $130 million in exports by 2024 and participation in global trade fairs like the China International Import Expo further integrated Rwandan fruits into international supply chains.

Production lemons and limes in Rwanda

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, Rwanda produced 6 178 tonnes of lemons and limes, representing a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 23.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 332 tonnes, which saw the largest annual increase of 26.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with production dropping by 4.7%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Rwanda

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Rwanda exported 0.2 tonnes of lemons and limes, a sharp decrease of 68.1% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for nearly all of Rwanda's lemon and lime exports in volume, holding a 90.5% share of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Rwanda's lemon and lime exports were valued at 0.3 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial increase of 342.8% from the year before.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom dominated Rwanda's lemon and lime exports in value terms, capturing 90.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Rwanda

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Rwanda imported 593.3 tonnes of lemons and limes, an 18.0% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 12.8%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 4.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 502.6 tonnes, which saw the largest annual drop of 43.0%. Conversely, the peak was in 2018 at 881.2 tonnes, with the biggest annual increase of 29.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda and Tanzania were the primary sources for Rwanda's lemon and lime imports in volume, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Rwanda's lemon and lime imports totaled 260.5 thousand US dollars, up 11.1% from the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 234.5 thousand US dollars, marking the largest annual decline of 29.2%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 331.4 thousand US dollars, with the greatest annual increase of 28.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Uganda and Tanzania served as the key markets for Rwanda's lemon and lime imports in value, jointly representing 86.4% of total flows, with other destinations contributing smaller shares.

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

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