Lemons and limes market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for lemons and limes in Western Africa remained stable at around 103 thousand tons. This period was characterized by an expansion of citrus cultivation area, though most lemon trees were still in the growth phase, limiting immediate production gains. Simultaneously, unfavorable weather conditions in the southern hemisphere reduced global lime volumes, creating price pressures and affecting import availability into the region.

A downward shift occurred between 2020 and 2022, with the market contracting to a low of 94.4 thousand tons by 2022. Pandemic-related logistics disruptions, including shipping delays, constrained supplies and contributed to temporary shortages. Furthermore, wet weather in key production zones degraded lime quality, further tightening the available market offer.

The market rebounded in 2023, reaching 98.8 thousand tons. This recovery was supported by a 25% increase in lemon production from Egypt, which augmented regional supply and led to higher import volumes into West Africa.

Production lemons and limes in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Western Africa's lemons and limes production saw a two-year advance before declining. In 2020, the region produced 97.2 K t, marking a modest 4.1% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 101.3 K t, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 15.9%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 15 t and peaked in 2017, with a 29-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Western Africa's lemons and limes export volume totaled 135 t, representing a steep gain of 774.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 96.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus, the Netherlands, and Germany consistently served as the main destinations for exports in kind. Belarus accounted for 18.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 6.6%, and Germany for 2.4%, together making up 27.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with an 8.6-fold difference. In 2020, lemons and limes exports from Western Africa amounted to 221 K $ US, showing a sharp uptick of 184.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was 67 K $ US in 2018, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 88.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belarus, the Netherlands, and Germany formed the key group of partners for exports in value terms. Belarus represented 45.3% of exports, the Netherlands 20.4%, and Germany 18.8%, jointly accounting for 84.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, foreign lemons and limes supplies to Western Africa increased. In 2020, the region imported 1 803 t, which is 45.9% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 31%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 803 t, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 6.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Portugal, and Morocco formed the core of imports in kind. South Africa contributed 32.5% of imports, Portugal 17.0%, and Morocco 15.0%, together taking 64.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, lemons and limes shipments to Western Africa from abroad stood at 2 641 K $ US, indicating an uptick of 33.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 61.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 17.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 47.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain were the main markets for imports in value terms. Portugal accounted for 30.4% of imports, South Africa for 26.4%, and Spain for 21.0%, together representing 77.8% of total flows.

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

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