Lemons and limes market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The lemons and limes market in Southern Asia expanded from 3.8 million tons in 2018 to 4.4 million tons in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by a sharp increase in production and yield across Asia, supported by favorable climatic conditions and rising global demand. Even the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted supply chains worldwide, did not prevent market growth, as regulatory changes in labeling and traceability in some Asian countries helped maintain food safety and consumer confidence.

After a slight contraction to 4.3 million tons in 2021, the market recovered to 4.5 million tons in 2022 and reached 4.6 million tons in 2023. The rebound was fueled by the emergence of new product segments, such as ingredients for beverages and processed foods, which broadened the demand base. Additionally, new labeling and traceability regulations in Asian markets aligned the industry with international standards, supporting market stability despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions.

Production lemons and limes in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Southern Asia's production of lemons and limes has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 387 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 5.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 44.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of lemons and limes production in Southern Asia declined. In 2020, output was valued at 3 211 million US dollars, representing a slight decrease of 7.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 59%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 460 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 49.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 5.7-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 17 081 tonnes of lemons and limes, marking a decline of 28.1% from the previous year. The peak was in 2019 at 23 742 tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 195.3% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of lemons and limes from Southern Asia were Iraq, Russia, and Oman, accounting for 59.9%, 5.8%, and 4.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 69.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export values changed by 7.2-fold from the trough in 2017 to the peak in 2019. In 2020, Southern Asia's exports of lemons and limes amounted to 12 502 thousand US dollars, down by 36.6% from the previous year. The highest value was in 2019 at 19 706 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 252.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for lemons and limes exports from Southern Asia in value terms were Iraq, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, with shares of 60.7%, 7.1%, and 3.6%, respectively. Combined, these countries accounted for 71.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Southern Asia's imports of lemons and limes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 10 685 tonnes, showing a solid gain of 19.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 116.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 29.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates were the main sources of lemons and limes imports to Southern Asia, together accounting for 15.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Southern Asia's imports of lemons and limes have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 12 067 thousand US dollars, representing a solid uptick of 12.0% from the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 101.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 26.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top suppliers of lemons and limes to Southern Asia in value terms were Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand, with shares of 19.6%, 7.4%, and 1.2%, respectively. Their combined share reached 28.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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