Lemons and limes imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported lemons and limes worth $65.2 million (105.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 22% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $91.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $65.2M | 105.4K t |
| 2023 | $83.3M | 131.1K t |
| 2022 | $84.9M | 138.9K t |
| 2021 | $82.5M | 139.0K t |
| 2020 | $91.8M | 133.2K t |
| 2019 | $70.2M | 100.7K t |
| 2018 | $76.5M | 107.9K t |
| 2017 | $64.4M | 82.2K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports lemons and limes from
South Africa alone supplied 62% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $40.2M | 62% |
| Egypt | $9.9M | 15% |
| China | $8.7M | 13% |
| Turkey | $4.9M | 7.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $806K | 1.2% |
| Brazil | $217K | 0.3% |
| India | $163K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $97K | 0.2% |
| Bahrain | $47K | 0.1% |
| United States | $23K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.62 per kg, 41% 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 exports from the United Arab Emirates
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates exported lemons and limes worth $1.1 million (433 tonnes). Most of it went to Saudi Arabia (33%), Kuwait (20%), Qatar (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+176% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $363K | 33% |
| Kuwait | $222K | 20% |
| Qatar | $174K | 16% |
| Bahrain | $117K | 11% |
| Seychelles | $62K | 5.6% |
| United States | $52K | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $48K | 4.3% |
| Maldives | $21K | 1.9% |
| Canada | $18K | 1.7% |
| Israel | $10K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates lemons and limes imports (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 imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported lemons and limes worth $65.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 105.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 207 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply lemons and limes to the United Arab Emirates?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($40.2 million), followed by Egypt (15%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 666% on the year.
What is the average import price of lemons and limes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.62 per kg in 2024, 41% 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 imports of lemons and limes to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $64.4 million in 2017 to $65.2 million in 2024, an increase of 1%. The peak was 2020 at $91.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $77.4 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export lemons and limes?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $64.1 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 the United Arab Emirates 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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