The export volume of lemons and limes from South Africa has demonstrated a strong upward trend over the past decade, starting from 220.0 thousand metric tons in 2013 and reaching 640.73 thousand metric tons in 2023, which represents an impressive CAGR of 12.86%. Year-on-year variations have fluctuated, with notable growth spurts in 2016 (26.16%) and 2019 (30.86%). The past two years showed a moderate increase, with 11.62% in 2021 and 2.33% in 2022, before a higher spike of 12.41% in 2023.
Looking ahead, forecasted data indicates continued growth, albeit at a slower CAGR of 5.11% over the next five years, with export volumes projected to rise to 886.55 thousand metric tons by 2028, a cumulative growth of 28.32% from 2023. The market's expansion is expected to be driven by factors such as increased global demand, improvements in agricultural practices, and enhanced export logistics.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of climate change on citrus yields, shifts in international trade policies, and advancements in sustainable farming techniques. Monitoring these factors will be crucial in predicting and adapting to market dynamics.
