In recent months, EastFruit analysts have noted price increases in the global lemon market, influenced by export restrictions and rising demand. Turkey's temporary suspension of lemon exports on April 8, 2025, aimed at stabilizing domestic markets, disrupted supply chains. Although the ban was lifted a day later, market conditions remained buoyant.
Egyptian exporters responded to Turkey's move by raising lemon prices. "Export prices surged from $900 per ton to $1,250 per ton within a week on the EastFruit Trade platform," says Oleksandr Ukrainets, International Consultant of FAO. "This is a 38.9% increase. Later in the same day, prices climbed to $1,330 per ton, marking an additional $80 hike. Comparatively, during the same period last year, Egypt's export price was $550 per ton, indicating a 141.8% year-over-year increase," adds Oleksandr Ukrainets. Following the export ban's cancellation, prices stabilized at $1,330 per ton without reverting to pre-ban levels.
Domestic market prices in Turkey and Egypt had already been rising before the export ban. In Turkey, wholesale prices increased from $0.66/kg in early March to $1.06/kg, with current prices between $0.53/kg and $1.45/kg. A year ago, the range was $0.16/kg to $0.41/kg. In Cairo, prices rose from $0.18/kg in early March to $0.38/kg, now hovering between $0.36/kg and $0.40/kg, compared to $0.04/kg to $0.08/kg last year.
Yevhen Kuzin, FAO Horticultural Market Analyst, states, "Even though Turkey eventually decided against banning lemon exports, prices are unlikely to decline significantly. Lemon prices remain high across Europe, and they traditionally tend to rise towards the end of the season in the Northern Hemisphere." In Poland, wholesale prices have reached a record high, increasing by 21% over the past four weeks to $1.9 per kg.
The United Arab Emirates has also seen rising lemon prices, escalating from $0.86/kg in early March to $1.82/kg—a 111.6% increase. Egypt may consider export restrictions if domestic prices continue to climb, following Turkey's example. Russia, a major buyer from Egypt and Turkey, faces challenges as price hikes affect consumer spending, potentially impacting lemon prices in the Middle East and parts of the EU.
Source: EastFruit