U.S. lemon/lime exports drop 15% in 2021

U.S. exports of lemons and limes have been trending lower in recent years, and 2021 saw a 15% decline in combined exports. 

The USDA reports U.S. exports of lemons/limes in 2021 totaled 75,969 metric tons, down 15% from 89,526 metric tons and off 20% from 2019.

The top export market for U.S. lemons and limes in 2021 was Canada, which took 36% of total volume in 2021, down from 40% in 2020 but up 33% from 2019.

Japan was the second leading export market in 2021, taking 28% of U.S. exports of lemons/limes in 2021, up from 25% from 2020 but down from 36% in 2019. South Korea was the third-ranked export market, taking 16% of volume in 2021, up from 15% from 2020 and up 14% from 2019.

U.S. Lemon/Lime Exports
(metric tons)
    World        
2001    113,140.7    
2002    98,430.0    
2003    110,213.7    
2004    98,209.3    
2005    103,563.2    
2006    103,535.5    
2007    137,327.6    
2008    136,929.6    
2009    93,578.4    
2010    94,403.0    
2011    95,639.6    
2012    98,864.0    
2013    120,698.7    
2014    126,400.0    
2015    106,609.4    
2016    112,732.2    
2017    108,573.1    
2018    91,318.6    
2019    95,419.2    
2020    89,526.6    
2021    75,959.8    
Source: USDA