Peru's fresh lemon exports have shown growth in the first quarter of 2024, with monthly shipments consistently exceeding $5 million. By the end of March, the total volume of citrus exports reached 15,540 tons, valued at $15.7 million. This marks a 10 percent increase in volume and a 5 percent rise in value compared to the same period last year, as reported by AgroPeru Informa.
Despite a 4 percent decrease in average price to $1.01 per kilogram, the overall export value demonstrated resilience. Peruvian lemons were exported to 15 countries in the first quarter, with the United States, Chile, and the Dominican Republic being the top destinations. The U.S. accounted for 54 percent of the exports, receiving 8,077 tons worth $8.5 million. Although the volume to the U.S. increased by 9 percent, the value dipped by 4 percent due to a 12 percent drop in price, from $1.19 to $1.05 per kilogram.
Chile and the Dominican Republic also played significant roles, with exports to Chile reaching 1,787 tons (11.5 percent) and the Dominican Republic 1,776 tons (11.4 percent).
Leading Peruvian exporters were Procesadora Laran S.A.C. and Ecosac AgrÃcola S.A.C., capturing 18 percent and 15 percent of the market share, respectively.
Source: tradecouncil.org