Lemons and limes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of lemons and limes by South Africa reached $416.1 million in 2024 (574.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 3rd of 158 countries for exports of this product. That is 3% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $416.1M | 574.9K t |
| 2023 | $429.9M | 594.1K t |
| 2022 | $440.2M | 585.7K t |
| 2021 | $437.8M | 521.4K t |
| 2020 | $428.7M | 477.7K t |
| 2019 | $314.2M | 364.0K t |
| 2018 | $310.6M | 328.0K t |
| 2017 | $318.2M | 313.0K t |
Where South Africa exports lemons and limes to
Most of it went to Netherlands (18%), United Arab Emirates (10%), United Kingdom (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 35%.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $75.8M | 18% |
| United Arab Emirates | $40.2M | 9.7% |
| United Kingdom | $31.4M | 7.5% |
| Italy | $30.9M | 7.4% |
| Canada | $27.4M | 6.6% |
| Russia | $27.4M | 6.6% |
| Portugal | $20.0M | 4.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $18.2M | 4.4% |
| Iraq | $18.0M | 4.3% |
| Spain | $14.3M | 3.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.72 per kg, 31% below the world average of $1.05, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lemons and limes imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported lemons and limes worth $1.2 million (6.3 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Zimbabwe (42%), United Kingdom (26%), Eswatini (9%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+835% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $480K | 42% |
| United Kingdom | $303K | 26% |
| Eswatini | $103K | 9% |
| Greece | $96K | 8.3% |
| Brazil | $44K | 3.8% |
| Spain | $38K | 3.3% |
| Italy | $31K | 2.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $18K | 1.6% |
| France | $16K | 1.4% |
| United States | $9K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lemons and limes exports (HS 0805.50): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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.
Common questions
What is the value of lemons and limes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported lemons and limes worth $416.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 574.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 158 countries worldwide, with 10% of world exports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy lemons and limes from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($75.8 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (10%) and the United Kingdom (8%). The top three together account for 35%, out of 105 buyer countries in total. Iraq grew fastest among the top ten, up 15% on the year.
What is the average export price of lemons and limes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.72 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $1.05 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of lemons and limes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $318.2 million in 2017 to $416.1 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. The peak was 2022 at $440.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $387.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import lemons and limes?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $415.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for lemons and limes?
The HS code for lemons and limes is subheading 0805.50. It sits in HS chapter 08 (fruit and nuts, edible; peel of citrus fruit or melons). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0805 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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