Lemon And Lime Market

The global market for lemons and limes is projected to continue its upward consumption trend over the next eight years, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for volume and +3.7% for value from 2022 to 2030. Consumption, production, imports, and exports are analyzed in detail, with key countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the United States playing significant roles. Pricing trends and growth rates for various countries are also examined, providing a comprehensive overview of the market dynamics.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for lemons and limes worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 25M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $27.7B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Lemons And Limes

For the eleventh year in a row, the global market recorded growth in consumption of lemons and limes, which increased by 1.7% to 21M tons in 2022. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

The global lemon and lime market size amounted to $20.8B in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked at $21.4B in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were India (3.8M tons), China (2.6M tons) and Mexico (2.4M tons), with a combined 41% share of global consumption. The United States, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Iran and Sudan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consuming countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +7.8%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($4.2B), the United States ($2.5B) and Mexico ($2.2B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, with a combined 43% share of the global market.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Mexico, with a CAGR of +10.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of lemon and lime per capita consumption in 2022 were Argentina (34 kg per person), Mexico (18 kg per person) and Italy (9.2 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +6.4%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Lemons And Limes

For the eleventh consecutive year, the global market recorded growth in production of lemons and limes, which increased by 2.4% to 22M tons in 2022. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by a noticeable expansion of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

In value terms, lemon and lime production rose slightly to $20.7B in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 20% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $22B in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were India (3.8M tons), Mexico (3.1M tons) and China (2.6M tons), together accounting for 44% of global production. Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, the United States, Spain, South Africa, Iran, Italy, Sudan and Egypt lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 42%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by South Africa (with a CAGR of +12.5%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Yield

The global average lemon and lime yield contracted modestly to 16 tons per ha in 2022, approximately reflecting the year before. Overall, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 5.6% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of 17 tons per ha. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the average lemon and lime yield remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Harvested Area

In 2022, the global lemon and lime harvested area rose slightly to 1.3M ha, increasing by 3.6% compared with the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 5.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to lemon and lime production reached the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports

World Imports of Lemons And Limes

In 2022, overseas purchases of lemons and limes decreased by -5.9% to 3.8M tons for the first time since 2011, thus ending a ten-year rising trend. Overall, total imports indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports attained the peak figure at 4M tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, lemon and lime imports declined slightly to $4.1B in 2022. In general, total imports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports decreased by -1.5% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 22% against the previous year. Global imports peaked at $4.2B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (813K tons), distantly followed by the Netherlands (348K tons), Russia (248K tons), Germany (225K tons), Iraq (198K tons) and France (174K tons) were the key importers of lemons and limes, together constituting 53% of total imports. The UK (147K tons), Poland (137K tons), the United Arab Emirates (122K tons), Canada (110K tons), Italy (108K tons), Spain (74K tons) and Romania (60K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to lemon and lime imports into the United States stood at +5.4%. At the same time, Iraq (+40.1%), the Netherlands (+8.4%), the United Arab Emirates (+6.2%), Romania (+4.9%), Germany (+4.2%), Poland (+4.1%), the UK (+3.1%), France (+2.3%), Canada (+2.0%), Spain (+2.0%) and Russia (+1.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Iraq emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +40.1% from 2012-2022. Italy experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Iraq (+5 p.p.), the Netherlands (+2.9 p.p.) and the United States (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of Italy (-1.7 p.p.) and Russia (-2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United States ($906M) constitutes the largest market for imported lemons and limes worldwide, comprising 22% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($414M), with a 10% share of global imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 9.3% share.

In the United States, lemon and lime imports expanded at an average annual rate of +14.0% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (+8.9% per year) and Germany (+7.0% per year).

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average lemon and lime import price amounted to $1,098 per ton, rising by 5.6% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.9%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 17%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $1,246 per ton. From 2017 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($1,709 per ton), while Iraq ($273 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+8.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Lemons And Limes

After six years of growth, overseas shipments of lemons and limes decreased by -2% to 3.9M tons in 2022. In general, total exports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +48.3% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 13% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 4M tons, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, lemon and lime exports reduced slightly to $3.9B in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +17.4% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at $3.9B in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

Exports By Country

Mexico (706K tons), Spain (648K tons), Turkey (594K tons) and South Africa (557K tons) represented roughly 64% of total exports in 2022. The Netherlands (263K tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with a 6.7% share, followed by Argentina (6.5%). The following exporters - Brazil (156K tons), the United States (125K tons) and Portugal (63K tons) - together made up 8.8% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Portugal (with a CAGR of +30.5%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($848M), Mexico ($763M) and the Netherlands ($428M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together comprising 52% of global exports. South Africa, Turkey, the United States, Argentina, Brazil and Portugal lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 31%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Portugal, with a CAGR of +28.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average lemon and lime export price amounted to $993 per ton, picking up by 2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $1,235 per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($1,627 per ton), while Turkey ($457 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+9.6%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform