Lemons and limes market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

South Africa's lemon and lime market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 160.1 thousand tonnes. The initial expansion was fueled by a major increase in planted area over the preceding years, which lifted production capacity. In 2019, altered consumption patterns in important export destinations like Russia and the Middle East tempered demand, leading to a slight contraction. The pandemic year 2020 reversed the trend, as global health concerns boosted demand for vitamin-C-rich lemons, driving the market to 187.5 thousand tonnes.

A sharp drop to 159.5 thousand tonnes occurred in 2021, coinciding with trade restrictions in markets such as the United States and a significant rise in lemon juice exports, which diverted fruit from the fresh domestic market. The market rebounded strongly in 2022 and 2023, reaching 247 thousand tonnes. This recovery was underpinned by industry efforts to improve logistics and post-harvest handling, alongside stricter phytosanitary and pesticide residue regulations that helped maintain export channel access and supported overall production growth.

Production lemons and limes in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

South Africa was among the world's leading producers of lemons and limes from 2018 to 2021, ranking 9th globally by production volume.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2018-2021

World map of production of lemons and limes, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of lemons and limes grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 656.4 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 2.0% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 38.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two years of growth, South Africa's production value for lemons and limes declined. In 2021, the output was valued at 455.7 million US dollars, down 13.9% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value increased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 529.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 29.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

South Africa's exports of lemons and limes in volume terms grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 498.5 thousand tonnes, representing a gradual increase of 8.9% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 58.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the export market for lemons and limes in volume terms was diverse. The Netherlands accounted for 16.7% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 12.7%, and Saudi Arabia for 9.0%, together making up 38.5% of total flows. The remaining 61.5% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, South Africa's exports of lemons and limes in value terms declined. In 2021, exports totaled 346.1 million US dollars, down 8.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 29.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 376.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 34.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the export market in value terms remained fragmented. The Netherlands contributed 17.5% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 11.2%, and the United Kingdom 8.6%, together accounting for 37.3% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports lemons and limes to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for lemons and limes in volume terms showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1.0 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 2.0 thousand tonnes, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports to South Africa stood at 1.6 thousand tonnes, indicating a significant decrease of 18.2% compared to 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 104.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini was the primary source for imports in volume terms, accounting for 63.1% of total imports. Spain and Brazil each contributed 10.5%, making these three countries together responsible for 84.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

South Africa's imports of lemons and limes in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 0.4 million US dollars, reflecting a year-on-year reduction of 36.1%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 56%, equating to an annualized decline of 23.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain was the leading supplier of lemons and limes to South Africa in value terms, accounting for 28.6% of imports. Brazil followed with 26.7%, and Eswatini with 16.8%, together making up 72.1% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021