Lemons and limes trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in lemons and limes was worth $4.17 billion in 2024, about 3.99 million tonnes. That is an increase of 22% since 2017, and up 3% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.17B | 3.99M t |
| 2023 | $4.06B | 3.87M t |
| 2022 | $4.01B | 3.90M t |
| 2021 | $3.98B | 4.04M t |
| 2020 | $3.98B | 3.92M t |
| 2019 | $3.49B | 3.61M t |
| 2018 | $3.77B | 3.55M t |
| 2017 | $3.42B | 3.25M t |
Top lemons and limes exporting countries
Mexico is the largest exporter with 21% of world exports, followed by Spain and South Africa. The top three supply 52% between them, out of 158 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $870.7M | 21% |
| Spain | $867.1M | 21% |
| South Africa | $416.1M | 10% |
| Turkey | $401.1M | 9.6% |
| Brazil | $219.2M | 5.3% |
| China | $177.2M | 4.3% |
| Netherlands | $157.4M | 3.8% |
| United States | $146.4M | 3.5% |
| Colombia | $142.9M | 3.4% |
| Argentina | $118.5M | 2.8% |
| Chile | $106.3M | 2.6% |
| Egypt | $99.9M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 26% of world imports, ahead of Germany and the Netherlands. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 42% across 207 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.06B | 26% |
| Germany | $376.4M | 9% |
| Netherlands | $305.8M | 7.3% |
| France | $189.3M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $166.2M | 4% |
| Russia | $153.8M | 3.7% |
| Canada | $135.3M | 3.3% |
| Iraq | $133.0M | 3.2% |
| Poland | $115.3M | 2.8% |
| Italy | $99.1M | 2.4% |
| Japan | $76.8M | 1.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $73.8M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.05 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $1.74 per kg and Turkey $0.67 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0805.50: Fruit, edible: lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum), limes (Citrus aurantifolia , Citrus latifolia), fresh or dried. HS 0805 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most lemons and limes?
Mexico exported $870.7 million in 2024, 21% of the world total, followed by Spain (21%) and South Africa (10%). In all, 158 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most lemons and limes?
The United States imported $1.06 billion in 2024, 26% of world imports, ahead of Germany (9%) and the Netherlands (7%). The top three importers together take 42%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in lemons and limes?
It was worth $4.17 billion in 2024, about 3.99 million tonnes. That is an increase of 22% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 158 countries reported exports and 207 reported imports.
What is the average price of lemons and limes per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.05 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $1.74 per kg and Turkey $0.67 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for lemons and limes?
The HS code for lemons and limes is subheading 0805.50, in chapter 08 (fruit and nuts, edible; peel of citrus fruit or melons). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0805 page.
How can I find lemons and limes buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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