Lemons and limes market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

The lemons and limes market in Yemen showed substantial growth from 2018 to 2022, with market volume increasing from 23 thousand tons to nearly 32.8 thousand tons. This expansion was primarily driven by a rise in domestic production, which grew from 21.9 thousand tons to 31 thousand tons over the same period, even as exports commenced in 2020.

In 2020, political conflicts and war in Yemen led to severe economic and social problems, including famine and poverty, which affected consumer behavior and the local economy. This likely contributed to a marginal contraction of the market volume that year to 28 thousand tons, despite a significant increase in imports.

Following a peak in 2022, the market moderated slightly to 31.7 thousand tons in 2023, while production stabilized around 30.6 thousand tons. Imports and exports continued to fluctuate, reflecting changing trade conditions.

Production lemons and limes in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Yemen's production of lemons and limes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 25 713 tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 12.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 21 856 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 17.4%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen exported 1 115 tonnes of lemons and limes, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 42.9%, with an average annual decline of 17.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia accounted for 79.7% of Yemen's total lemon and lime exports by volume, with the remaining share distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Yemen's lemon and lime exports were valued at 616 thousand US dollars in 2020, remaining virtually unchanged year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 30.6%, with an average annual decline of 11.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia and Belarus dominated Yemen's lemon and lime exports by value, jointly accounting for 92.9% of total flows, while other countries represented the remaining share.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

The import market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 166 tonnes and peaked in 2020, representing a 2.9-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Yemen imported 1 166 tonnes of lemons and limes, reflecting a 33.6% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 44.8%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 120.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (65.2% of total volume) and Egypt (28.7%) together accounted for 93.8% of Yemen's lemon and lime imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values showed considerable volatility during these years. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 260 thousand US dollars, while 2020 saw the highest level, representing a sevenfold increase. In 2020, Yemen imported approximately 1 830 thousand US dollars worth of lemons and limes, marking a sharp increase of 204.6% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 63.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia and Egypt were the primary markets for Yemen's lemon and lime imports by value, jointly accounting for 91.0% of total flows, while other destinations held comparatively modest shares.

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

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