In MY 2023/24, due to the increase in area planted and assuming regular yields, lemon production is estimated to grow by 6.7 percent and reach 175,000 metric tons. In MY 2023/24, due to high profits, lemon area planted will reach 8,150 hectares (ha). This represents a one percent increase from MY 2022/23.
Farmers found in lemon production and exports a profitable alternative to other crops such as avocado because of higher prices and low water requirements. Lemon area planted in Chile grew from 5,911 hectares in MY 2016/17 to 8,081 hectares in MY 2022/23. The lemon area planted grew in all producing regions, which span from the Coquimbo region in the northern part of the country to the O'Higgins region towards Chile's central-south. However, over 40 percent of the area planted is in the Metropolitana region, in the central part of Chile.
Chile produces lemons for the domestic market in the summer months, between December and March, when prices are high. During the Chilean winter, between June and September, international prices are higher than domestic prices, and most Chilean producers export lemons to North America, Europe, and Asia.
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Source: apps.fas.usda.gov