W6 Lemon and Lime Update: Peruvian Lemon Exports Surged by 63% in Early 2024, USDA Citrus Reported a 10% Increase in Production Signals Growth Despite Challenges, and EU Lemon Imports Surged from Oct-22 to Sep-23

Fresh Lemon

Germany

Greece

Published Feb 22, 2024

In W6 in the lemon and lime landscape, the Spanish lemon market is facing bankruptcy due to falling prices and increased imports from South Africa and Turkey. Peruvian lemon exports have seen a 63% increase in early 2024, with the most visited countries being the US, Spain, China, the Dominican Republic, and Germany. The EU reported 429 thousand mt of lemons from third countries, while the USDA reported a 10% increase in citrus production.

Spanish Lemon Market Threatened by Plummeting Prices and Imports

On February 5, 2024, the price of "fine" type lemon in the field decreased by 2.5%, with the current price being 33.7% lower than the average. However, the output of the conditioning center stabilized, placing the price 11.3% below the weekly average. Spanish lemons industry is in danger of bankruptcy due to falling prices and increased imports of products from South Africa and Türkiye, which do not meet European standards. The situation is unsustainable for farmers, as the average production cost of lemons now amounts to USD 0.30 to 0.35 per kilogram (kg).

Peruvian Lemon Exports Surged by 63% in Early 2024

Peruvian lemon exports have seen a 63% increase in the first three weeks of 2024, with 5.4 thousand tons exported to the international market. The growth is attributed to the global markets' appreciation for Peruvian lemon's unique flavor, aroma, and quality. The Port of Paita has the most significant proportion of lemon exports (84%), followed by the Port of Callao (16%). The most visited countries are the United States (45%), Spain (15%), China (14%), Dominican Republic (9%), and Germany (6%). Tahiti is the most exported lemon variety (28%). Multifoods SAC is the leading exporter.

Lemon Imports Surge in the EU From Oct-22 to Sep-23

The European Commission (EC) reported 429 thousand metric tons (mt) of lemons from third countries entering the European Union (EU) from Oct-22 to Sep-23. Türkiye was the top importer, followed by Egypt and South Africa. Argentina and Uruguay also contributed to the total. The Southern Hemisphere is expected to increase in quantity. Greece imported 27 thousand tons of lemons, 20 thousand from third countries, and 2.6 thousand from Türkiye. However, lemons are not cut in Greece due to a lack of commercial interest.

USDA Reports 10% Increase in Citrus Production for 2022/23 Season

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a 10% increase in citrus fruit production in the 2022/23 season, reaching 3 million tons. The increase was mainly due to a 2% increase in orange harvest, a 5% increase in grapefruits, an 8% increase in lemons, and a 29% increase in mandarins. Florida's citrus crop area decreased by 12%, while California slightly increased. However, mandarin and lemon production contributed to surface losses. Texas experienced a 9% decline in total production acreage, while Arizona saw a 4% decrease in lemon acreage. Despite challenges from greening disease and long-term trends, total production is projected to surpass levels from the 2022/23 season.