Lemons and limes market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the US lemons and limes market volume grew from 1.42 million tons to 1.76 million tons, showing steady expansion overall. The market's value increased even more sharply, rising from $1.86 billion to $2.58 billion, which points to a sustained increase in average prices or a consumer shift toward higher-value products.

Market volume experienced a notable contraction in 2021, falling by 7.5% to 1.59 million tons alongside a sharp drop in domestic production. Despite this dip in physical volume, the market's value continued to climb, reaching $2.08 billion that year, underscoring a resilience in monetary terms. The market resumed its growth trajectory in the following years, with volume recovering to set a new record in 2023.

Imports formed a substantial part of supply, rising from 730.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 885.4 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic production also trended upward by the end of the period, reaching 987 thousand tons in 2023 after notable volatility in the early 2020s.

Production lemons and limes in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked 8th globally in terms of lemon and lime production volume.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Lemon and lime production in the United States grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 983.4 K t of lemons and limes, an 8.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 22.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of lemon and lime production in the United States increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 472 M $ US, up 2.5% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States exported 120.5 K t of lemons and limes, a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 10%, with a compound annual decline of 3.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 115.8 K t, which saw the largest decline of 13.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase at 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Japan, and South Korea were the primary destinations for U.S. lemon and lime exports in volume terms. Canada accounted for 46.0% of exports, Japan for 24.6%, and South Korea for 12.2%, together representing 82.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of lemon and lime exports from the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 180.3 M $ US, a modest decrease of 7.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value dropped by 15.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Canada, Japan, and South Korea formed the core markets for U.S. lemon and lime exports in value terms. Canada held a 39.4% share, Japan 30.3%, and South Korea 13.2%, collectively accounting for 82.9% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports lemons and limes to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Lemon and lime imports into the United States rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 853.1 K t, a 7.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume grew by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the main source of lemon and lime imports to the United States in volume terms, capturing 88.2% of total imports, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of lemon and lime imports into the United States declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 659.1 M $ US, down 4.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 19.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 691.9 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 18.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017-2020, Mexico played a leading role in the value of lemon and lime imports to the United States, with a 79.7% share of total flows, and the remainder distributed among other trading partners.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020