Lemons and limes market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lemons and limes in Syria contracted significantly from 2018 to 2020, with volume falling from 184 thousand tons to 110 thousand tons. This downward trend was interrupted in 2021 when the market expanded to 132 thousand tons, before contracting again the following year.

The market decline in 2022, to 111 thousand tons, was driven by a heat wave that reduced fruit supply and increased transportation costs, sharply limiting the quantities available in markets. At the same time, citrus production had been falling as farmers, facing losses in prior years, shifted land to bananas or protected crops. Improved export procedures after the lifting of restrictions provided some relief, but an increase in smuggling to Lebanon further tightened domestic availability. The market rebounded strongly in 2023, reaching 163 thousand tons, as supply conditions normalized.

In 2024, official statements reaffirmed the strategic role of citrus cultivation in the coastal region, with government support aimed at facilitating marketing and export. However, reports indicated a continued decline in overall citrus production, pointing to persistent challenges for the sector.

Production lemons and limes in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Syria ranked 18th globally in lemon and lime production volume.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Syria's lemon and lime production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 105.6 thousand tons, marking a 30.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 31.6%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 11.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 174.3 thousand tons, with the largest year-on-year increase of 12.9% also occurring that year.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Syria

Exports in kind, t

The export market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 10.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Syria exported 2,967 tons of lemons and limes, down 7.1% from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3,194 tons, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 808.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait formed the primary cluster of markets for Syria's lemon and lime exports in kind. Lebanon accounted for 42.2% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 26.8%, and Kuwait for 18.8%, together representing 87.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Volumes reached their low in 2018 and peaked in 2019, varying 7.1 times between these years. In 2020, Syria's lemon and lime exports reached 1,293 thousand US dollars, a 9.3% decrease compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 200 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1,426 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 30.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 613.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait consistently remained the main destinations for Syria's lemon and lime exports in value terms. Lebanon accounted for 37.4% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 27.5%, and Kuwait for 18.3%, together making up 83.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Syria

Imports in kind, t

The import market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 20-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Syria imported 7,496 tons of lemons and limes, indicating a dramatic year-on-year fall of 28.5%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10,491 tons, and the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 1,808.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was overwhelmingly dominant as the source for Syria's lemon and lime imports in kind, accounting for 99.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment for imports in value terms. Imports reached their trough in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 9.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Syria's lemon and lime import volume amounted to 1,980 thousand US dollars, constituting a significant year-on-year rise of 12.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 7.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 824.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the key partner for Syria's lemon and lime imports in value terms, accounting for 97.1% of total flows.

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

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