Which Country is the Largest Producer of Lemons in the World? Check Top 5 Lemon and Lime Producing Countries

Have you ever wondered where the zesty lemons that give a flavor to your tea, salad, and dessert come from? Lemons are not just a culinary staple, but a global agricultural fruit that is produced on various continents and regions.

Lemon production is a great combination of heritage, climate, and technology, with certain countries distinguished due to their particular environmental characteristics and farming expertise.

From the biggest growers to developing players, learn where your lemons are sourced and what it is about these countries that makes them the best in the market of lemon cultivation.

Which Country is the Largest Producer of Lemons in the World?

According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data, Mexico is the largest producer of lemons and limes globally. It has an expected production of 3.5 million metric tons for the 2024/2025 market year. This shows an 8% increase from the previous year, carried by favorable weather and expanded planted area which is great for global production.

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Top 5 Lemon and Lime Producing Countries 

According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data, the below given countries are the Top 5 Lemon and Lime producing countries-

Production Insights:

Mexico: Mexico is leading with 3.5 million metric tons due to increasing planted area and stable demand, primarily from the U.S. market that takes more than 90% of its lemon/lime exports.

The European Union (mainly Spain) is expected to produce 1.7 million metric tons, up by 16% due to a record crop in Spain.

Argentina: Argentina's output will decrease slightly to 1.4 million metric tons because of unfavorable weather, though exports to the U.S. have improved despite overall export drops.

Turkey: Turkey is expected to produce a good 1.6 million metric tons, a record high because of favorable weather.

South Africa's yield is estimated at 720,000 metric tons, up 10%, as well as good export performance mainly to the European Union.

Lemons are a versatile fruit eaten and loved by people worldwide in foods, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and essential oils. The world lemon market is growing as the demand for fresh fruits and lemon products rises. 

Mexico is still the leading world producer of lemons and limes, with 3.5 million metric tons projected for 2024/2025. It is followed by the European Union, Argentina, Turkey, and South Africa, all major players in the world citrus supply. These volumes of production underscore the role of good climatic conditions and demand in the world lemon and lime production trends.

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