Top Lemon and Lime Exporting Countries in the World

Vitamin C store lemon is the key to a healthy life. The benefits of lemon for human health are countless. While lemon protects the immune system thanks to its vitamin C, it also acts as an antibacterial due to the pectin fiber it contains. In addition, lemon, which ensures the proper functioning of the digestive system, is often used by those who are on the diet. 

The sector in which lemons and lime are used the most is the food sector. Lemon is used to give taste and flavor to foods. Lemon and lime are often preferred in carbonated drinks, ice cream, and salad sauce. Especially lime is frequently used in Latin American and Mexican cuisines, especially in local foods and beverages. Additionally, lime oil is in high demand in the cosmetic industry.

Furthermore, lemon, which is incredibly beneficial for human health, grows in mild and warm climates. Thanks to its rich and fertile soil, Turkey is among the countries where lemon production is the most. In Turkey, where there are four seasons and different climates, the suitable region for lemon production is the Mediterranean. Besides Turkey, there are India, Mexico, China, Argentina, and Brazil among the countries where lemon and lime production is the most. According to the current data for 2021, the countries with the highest lemon and lime exports are; Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Turkey.

Differences Between Lemon and Lime

Lemon and lime are citrus fruits from the congenerous.  Although they are very similar in appearance and taste, there are some differences between the two. As a matter of fact, both have benefits for the digestive system, immune system, and skin health. Lime is smaller in size than lemon. Lime contains much more vitamin A and a more bitter and intense flavor compared to lemon. On the other hand, lemon contains folic acid and potassium compared to lime. Additionally, limes are seedless and juicier than lemons. Finally, lemon and lime are grown in the same climates and weather conditions.

Top Lemon and Lime Exporters in the World

According to the current data for 2021, the sales of lemons and limes exported from all countries are 3.8 billion dollars. From 2017 to 2021, lemon and lime exports increased by 12% for all exporting countries. 

The world’s top lemon and lime exporting countries are Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Turkey. These five countries produced 69.4% of the lemon and lime exported worldwide. This rate proves that lemon and lime exports are concentrated in five countries and the need for lemon and lime is provided by five countries all over the world.

Turkey

In Turkey, lemon and lime are grown in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions with mild and warm climates. Turkey is increasing the export and production of lemons and limes produced in accordance with quality and environmental standards every year. According to the data for 2021, 293 million 301 thousand foreign currency inflows were obtained from lemon and lime exports, with an increase of 7.4% compared to 2020.

Moreover, 2.2 million tons of lemons and limes were exported in the global market in 2021. Approximately 25% of the lemons and limes exported to the world are supplied by Turkey. The five countries to which Turkey exports lemons and limes the most are Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia respectively.

Mexico

Mexico is a country with a hot and humid climate located in a tropical region. Lemons and limes that like a warm climate are suitable for growing in Mexico. Mexico is one of the countries that produce and export the most lemons and limes in the world. 

According to the data for 2021, it achieved a foreign exchange inflow of $690.3 million from Mexico’s lemon and lime exports, showing an increase of 18.2% compared to 2020. In 2021, 39% of 2.2 million tons of lemon and lime exports were supplied by Mexico. Mexico’s top five exporters of lemon and lime are the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, respectively.

Spain

Located in the Mediterranean basin, Spain has a similar climate to Turkey. The mild and warm climate of Spain is suitable for the production of lemons and limes. Lemons and limes grown in the fertile soil of Spain are exported all over the world.

According to the data for 2021, Spain exported lemons and limes amounting to 950.8 million dollars. In addition, lemons and limes exported from Spain to the world supplied 25% of the global market’s lemon and lime needs. The five countries to which Spain exports lemons and limes the most in 2021 are Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy.

Netherlands

The Netherlands, a small country in Europe, realizes productive and effective production thanks to the technology and innovation it uses in agriculture. The Netherlands, which has a temperate oceanic climate, is among the top five countries that produce and export lemons and limes. According to the data for 2021, the Netherlands exported 356.6 million dollars of lemons and limes. Also, the Netherlands supplied 9.4% of the global market’s lime and lemon exports. Germany is the leading country by exporting 62.3 million dollars of lemons and limes from the Netherlands in 2021, followed by France, Poland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

South Africa

South Africa is a geographically and climatically diverse country with the largest surface area in Africa.  It is a country with a temperate climate, thanks to its climate diversity. Therefore, it is among the top three countries that produce and export lemons and limes.

According to the data for 2021, South Africa exported $347.8 million worth of lemons and limes, supplied for 9.2% of the global market’s lime and lemon exports. The Netherlands, with an amount of 79.6 million dollars, is at the top of the countries to which South Africa exports lemons and limes in 2021. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.