• Analysis and Studies
• Lemons and Limes: import and export (1)

The saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is known worldwide. However, it's just one of numerous expressions featuring this iconic fruit: deeper version of this concept is expressed in the TV series "This Is Us" with the quote, "There's no lemon so sour that you can't make something resembling lemonade."  These sayings emphasize our ability to transform adversity into opportunities for growth and positivity, no matter how daunting the challenge is.

Sourness is in fact the most famous characteristic of lemons and limes, fruits known also for their versatility, extensively used in cooking, medicine, and industry. Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, collagen production, and serves as an antioxidant, they are frequently incorporated into foods, drinks, and traditional remedies, enhancing flavor and providing health benefits such as aiding digestion and treating skin conditions. Furthermore, citric acid derived from lemons and limes serves as a preservative and cleaning agent, while their essential oils are utilized in perfumes and aromatherapy.

But these fruits are different in size, shape and flavor: indeed, lemons are larger, more oval-shaped and sweeter than limes, which are smaller, round and bitter.

In 2022, lemons and limes were the world's 945^th most traded product, with a total trade of $3.91B and between 2021 and 2022 their exports decreased by -0.38%, from $3.93B to $3.91B.

 In 2022 the country which exported lemons and limes the most was Spain, with a trade of $824M, followed by Mexico ($800M), South Africa ($398M), Turkey ($292M), and Netherlands ($283M). Whereas the most significant importer was the United States, with a trade of $907M, ahead of Germany ($434M), Netherlands ($303M), France ($239M), and Russia ($167M).

 This graphic showcases regional specializations and market dependencies among the leading exporters. Spain and the Netherlands mainly target European markets, whereas Mexico relies heavily on the US market, with 94.8% of its exports going there.

South Africa has a balanced portfolio, focusing on both Europe and the Middle East, while Turkey shows significant trade with Russia and Eastern Europe. These trends indicate different levels of market diversification, with Spain and South Africa emerging as the most diversified.

1. Spain (21.1%): 34.6% Germany, 20.1% France, 8.65% United Kingdom, 6% Poland, 4.88% Italy, 3.77% Netherlands, 0.17% United States
2. Mexico (20.5%): 94.8% United States, 2.48% Canada, 0.88% Netherlands, 0.35% Germany, 0.29% Poland, 0.22% United Kingdom
3. South Africa (10.2%): 19.5% Netherlands, 9.71% United Arab Emirates, 7.69% United Kingdom, 7.63% Portugal, 6.8% Canada, 6.61% Russia, 5.37% Italy, 4.82% Saudi Arabia, 3.65% Iraq, 1.87% Spain, 1.33% Germany, 0.43% France
4. Turkey (7.46%): 27.1% Russia, 9.75% Iraq, 8.33% Romania, 8.3% Poland, 7.41% Ukraine, 5.96% Bulgaria, 4.2% Azerbaijan, 2.97% United Arab Emirates, 0.9% Germany, 0.53% Netherlands
5. Netherlands (7.23%): 22.8% Germany, 15.3% France, 6.88% Italy, 6.35% Poland, 3.89% Spain, 3.42% Russia, 2.95% Romania

 Significant market dependencies are revealed for imports too. The United States relies heavily on Mexico, while Germany and France primarily import from Spain, indicating strong intra-European trade connections.

The Netherlands and Russia have a more diversified and global portfolio, which reduces their vulnerability to supply disruptions. These patterns reflect broader geopolitical and economic ties, such as the close ties between the United States and Mexico, and Russia's dependence on Turkey. Furthermore, there are emerging trade relationships, as evidenced by Russia's increasing imports from Egypt and China.

1. United States (23.2%): 83.6% Mexico, 5.65% Colombia, 4.04% Argentina, 0.7% France
2. Germany (11.1%): 69.1% Spain, 14.9% Netherlands, 5.56% Italy, 1.99% Vietnam. 1.6% Colombia, 1.22% South Africa, 0.64% Mexico, 0.61% Turkey
3. Netherlands (7.73%): 36.6% Brazil, 25.6% South Africa, 10.3% Spain, 7.63% Argentina, 3.41% Vietnam, 3.13% Colombia, 2.33% Mexico, 0.51% Turkey
4. France (6.12%): 69.1% Spain, 18% Netherlands, 4.32% Italy, 2.62% Colombia, 1.62% Argentina, 0.71% South Africa, 0.31% Mexico
5. Russia (4.28%): 47.3% Turkey, 16.5% Argentina, 15.7% South Africa, 5.77% Netherlands, 5.17% Egypt, 4.26% China, 0.3% Brazil

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was Mexico with an increase of $77M, ahead of Portugal ($30.9M), Colombia ($30.6M), Brazil ($27.3M), and Egypt ($23.5M).

1. Mexico: from $723M to $800M
2. Portugal: from $36.4M to $67.3M
3. Colombia: from $53.1M to $83.7M
4. Brazil: from $135M to $163M
5. Egypt: from $54.5M to $78M

Whereas the imports grew the fastest in the United States with an increase of $73.7M, followed by Spain ($43.2M), Netherlands ($22.6M), Kuwait ($16.7M), and Canada ($5.68M).

1. United States: from $833M to $907M
2. Spain: from $70.1M to $113M
3. Netherlands: from $280M to $303M
4. Kuwait: from $14.5M to $31.1M
5. Canada: from $104M to $110M

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