Lemons and limes market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in Tunisia experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2023, rising from 50 978 tons to 59 452 tons. After an initial increase to 53 979 tons in 2019, the market contracted to 49 776 tons in 2020 before recovering strongly to 54 956 tons in 2021. Growth continued steadily through 2022 and 2023, reaching 56 925 tons and then 59 452 tons.

By 2024, the market context was influenced by several developments. Citrus production was projected to rise by 5.2% for the 2024/2025 campaign, which was expected to boost exportable volumes of lemons and limes. Simultaneously, a significant diversification of export markets occurred, with a sharp increase in shipments to Libya and other Gulf countries, directly affecting domestic supply and demand dynamics. High consumer demand, particularly during Ramadan, drove lemon prices up, making them a luxury item in the local market.

Production lemons and limes in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Tunisia ranked as the 27th largest producer of lemons and limes from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Tunisia produced 50 500 tonnes of lemons and limes, marking a 7.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 30.2%, with an average annual decline of 11.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, at 28.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 4.4%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during these years. The highest level was reached in 2018 at 1 022 tonnes, while the lowest was in 2019 at 328 tonnes, resulting in a 3.1-fold difference between these peaks. In 2020, Tunisia exported 725 tonnes of lemons and limes, representing a sharp increase of 120.8% from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 67.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Tunisia's lemon and lime exports in volume terms were Libya, Italy, and France, which together accounted for 73.8% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited volatility over the observed period. The peak was in 2017, while the trough was in 2019, with a 2.5-fold gap between them. In 2020, Tunisia exported lemons and limes worth 586.6 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 146.2% compared to the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 238.2 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 56.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, Libya, Italy, and France were the largest buyers of Tunisian lemons and limes in value terms, with shares of 39.9%, 13.7%, and 8.8% of total exports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 62.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Tunisia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed significant volatility during this period. The highest level was in 2019, while the lowest was in 2020, with a 34-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tunisia imported approximately 0.2 tonnes of lemons and limes, indicating a sharp fall of 97.1% from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt and France were the primary sources for Tunisia's lemon and lime imports in volume terms, together making up 4.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. The highest value was observed in 2019, while the lowest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 13.6 times. In 2020, Tunisia's imports of lemons and limes totaled 0.4 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp drop of 92.7% compared to 2019.

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

In 2017-2020, France and Egypt remained the largest destinations for Tunisia's lemon and lime imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 12.2% of total import flows.

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

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