12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemons and Limes
12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemon and Limes
12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemon and Limes– According to FAO Statistical Corporate
Database in 2026, There are 12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemon and
Limes in 2024. All the country’s producers have a huge population of lemon
and limes trees, and they can produce millions of tons of lemon and limes
fruits.
Basically, Lemons (Citrus limon) and Limes (Citrus
aurantifolia) are one of the most favorite fruits in the world. This contains many vitamins and
minerals, especially vitamin C. Physically, the lemons and limes are quite
different. Based on appearance, lemons are usually bright yellow, meanwhile limes are typically green. In terms of fruit
shapes, lemon usually has oval or ellipsoidal form with "nipples" at
the ends, meanwhile the limes are round or
small and spherical. Taxonomically, both Lemons (Citrus limon) and Limes
(Citrus aurantifolia) have been included into
Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Sapindales; Family: Rutaceae; Genus: Citrus.
Statistically, in 2024, the world’s production of lemon and limes
reached 23.2 million tons with
the world's harvested area of lemon and limes reaching 1.45 million hectares. Gradually, from time to time, the
production of lemon and limes has gradually improved around 10-fold from 2.6
million tons in 1961 to 23.4 million tons in 2024. Furthermore, the harvested
area also grew significantly from 205 thousand
hectares in 1961 to 1.43 million hectares in 2024. Furthermore, the yield of
lemon and limes also increased from 12.7 tons/ ha to 15.96 tons/ha.
The Harvested Areas and World’s Production of Lemon and Limes From 1961 to 2024
|
Years |
World's Area Harvested
of Lemon and Limes |
World's Production of
Lemon and Limes |
Yield of Lemon and
Limes |
|
(Hectare (Ha)) |
Tons (T) |
(Tons/ hectare (T/ha) |
|
|
1961 |
205,512 |
2,619,738 |
12.75 |
|
1962 |
221,240 |
2,629,099 |
11.88 |
|
1963 |
235,552 |
2,712,760 |
11.52 |
|
1964 |
243,763 |
3,049,200 |
12.51 |
|
1965 |
248,719 |
2,969,665 |
11.94 |
|
1966 |
239,129 |
3,104,094 |
12.98 |
|
1967 |
247,738 |
3,255,281 |
13.14 |
|
1968 |
248,765 |
3,357,561 |
13.50 |
|
1969 |
251,085 |
3,458,181 |
13.77 |
|
1970 |
263,337 |
3,499,148 |
13.29 |
|
1971 |
295,253 |
3,908,247 |
13.24 |
|
1972 |
302,155 |
3,931,294 |
13.01 |
|
1973 |
307,425 |
4,352,059 |
14.16 |
|
1974 |
320,936 |
4,470,869 |
13.93 |
|
1975 |
325,719 |
5,028,649 |
15.44 |
|
1976 |
330,526 |
4,497,072 |
13.61 |
|
1977 |
333,169 |
4,940,311 |
14.83 |
|
1978 |
339,880 |
4,743,765 |
13.96 |
|
1979 |
352,623 |
4,794,109 |
13.60 |
|
1980 |
393,630 |
5,136,744 |
13.05 |
|
1981 |
410,247 |
5,913,830 |
14.42 |
|
1982 |
430,705 |
5,805,918 |
13.48 |
|
1983 |
435,407 |
6,141,937 |
14.11 |
|
1984 |
450,301 |
5,832,671 |
12.95 |
|
1985 |
499,080 |
6,299,496 |
12.62 |
|
1986 |
516,495 |
6,659,427 |
12.89 |
|
1987 |
530,980 |
7,128,459 |
13.43 |
|
1988 |
551,361 |
7,062,261 |
12.81 |
|
1989 |
565,760 |
7,114,820 |
12.58 |
|
1990 |
563,643 |
7,251,153 |
12.86 |
|
1991 |
561,316 |
7,640,287 |
13.61 |
|
1992 |
583,919 |
7,713,624 |
13.21 |
|
1993 |
587,572 |
8,097,082 |
13.78 |
|
1994 |
597,842 |
8,072,338 |
13.50 |
|
1995 |
620,250 |
8,188,226 |
13.20 |
|
1996 |
646,003 |
8,706,241 |
13.48 |
|
1997 |
686,957 |
9,178,722 |
13.36 |
|
1998 |
708,077 |
9,237,359 |
13.05 |
|
1999 |
737,585 |
9,981,346 |
13.53 |
|
2000 |
788,723 |
10,826,220 |
13.73 |
|
2001 |
807,279 |
11,530,345 |
14.28 |
|
2002 |
817,590 |
11,938,052 |
14.60 |
|
2003 |
815,922 |
12,380,700 |
15.17 |
|
2004 |
835,230 |
12,280,230 |
14.70 |
|
2005 |
760,966 |
12,335,386 |
16.21 |
|
2006 |
983,391 |
13,489,771 |
13.72 |
|
2007 |
1,007,348 |
16,069,080 |
15.95 |
|
2008 |
1,075,765 |
16,839,810 |
15.65 |
|
2009 |
1,109,842 |
16,435,697 |
14.81 |
|
2010 |
1,038,077 |
14,720,342 |
14.18 |
|
2011 |
952,939 |
15,062,172 |
15.81 |
|
2012 |
970,997 |
15,038,544 |
15.49 |
|
2013 |
999,827 |
15,448,958 |
15.45 |
|
2014 |
1,020,397 |
15,948,736 |
15.63 |
|
2015 |
1,061,197 |
17,075,470 |
16.09 |
|
2016 |
1,059,286 |
17,103,163 |
16.15 |
|
2017 |
1,106,567 |
17,480,986 |
15.80 |
|
2018 |
1,166,416 |
19,478,637 |
16.70 |
|
2019 |
1,250,103 |
19,453,730 |
15.56 |
|
2020 |
1,276,502 |
20,085,190 |
15.73 |
|
2021 |
1,347,554 |
21,368,835 |
15.86 |
|
2022 |
1,368,466 |
21,973,682 |
16.06 |
|
2023 |
1,431,649 |
23,934,484 |
16.72 |
|
2024 |
1,453,721 |
23,201,005 |
15.96 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
Specifically, based on the statistical production in the Continent
area in the year 2024, there are some main production areas of lemon and limes.
Asia and America still became the biggest
producer of lemon and limes with production around 9.4 million tons and
Americas with production around 9.96 million tons. Furthermore, in other parts,
Africa and Europe also have relatively small production of around 2.1 million
tons and 1.52 million tons.
The World’s Production of Lemon and Limes Based on Continental Regions in 2024
|
Continent |
Production of Lemons and Limes
in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
2,155,547 |
|
Americas |
9,958,460 |
|
Asia |
9,469,679 |
|
Europe |
1,522,798 |
|
Oceania |
94,521 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
In the country production statistics, there are 12 World’s Biggest
Country Producers of Lemon and Limes in 2024. All this data was obtained from
FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026. Here are 12 World’s
Biggest Producers of Lemon and Limes in 2024.
The Rank of 12 World’s Biggest Producers of Lemon and Limes in 2024
|
Rank |
Countries |
Production
of Lemon and Limes in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
India |
3,835,727 |
|
2 |
Mexico |
3,291,622 |
|
3 |
China, mainland |
2,319,972 |
|
4 |
Argentina |
2,154,139 |
|
5 |
Türkiye |
1,730,000 |
|
6 |
Brazil |
1,718,010 |
|
7 |
United States of America |
927,140 |
|
8 |
Spain |
919,510 |
|
9 |
South Africa |
748,644 |
|
10 |
Colombia |
592,297 |
|
11 |
Iran |
509,862 |
|
12 |
Italy |
431,590 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT,2026 |
||
Brief Description of 12 World’s Biggest Producers of Lemon and Limes in 2024
1.India
India had become the biggest producer of lemon and limes in 2024.
Statistically, the production
of lemon from India reached 3,835,727 tons.
Geographically, in this mahatma Gandhi’s country, there are some states that
have become the main production of lemon. These states include Gujarat, Andhra
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and
Assam. Meanwhile, the sweet lime in India can be found in Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Punjab. Based on
cultivars, there are some popular limes in India. Some of them are Vikram,
Prumalini, PKM and Sai Sharbati. Furthermore, in Lemon cultivars, there are
some popular lemons in India. Some of them are Gondhoraj, Pat Nebu, Rough
Lemon, Rough Lemon, Mausambi-sweet lime, Nemu tenga, and Genoa lemon.
2. Mexico
Mexico still becomes the 2nd biggest producer of
Lemon and Limes. In 2024, the production of limes and lemons from this country
reached 3,291,622 tons. In this country, there are some primary areas of lemon
and limes. The states that become the primary areas of lemon and limes are
Michoacán, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Tamaulipas. Functionally, in Mexico, Limón
(Lime) is treated almost like a fundamental seasoning, usually it was squeezed
over tacos, tostadas, and grilled meats pozole, menudo, or chicken soup and
other Mexican cuisines.
3. China, mainland
China is the Asian country that has huge production of lemon and
limes. In 2024, the production of lemon and lime from China reached 2,319,972
tons. Geographically, in China, some of the main productions of lemons are in
Tongnan District and Sichuan province (Snow King Lemons). In terms of genetic
aspects, some of the lemons and limes cultivars grown in China rely heavily on a few specific
varieties adapted to its terroir including Eureka Lemon, Beijing Lemon (Meyer
lemon), Taiwan Limes & Xiangshui Lemons.
4. Argentina
Argentina is the 4th biggest producer of Lemon and
Limes in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the
production of lemon and limes in Argentina reached 2,154,139 tons.
Geographically, in Argentina, Tucuman, Salta, and Jujuy provinces are some of
the main regions of lemon production / cultivation areas. Specifically, Tucuman
still became the
major contributor with contributing roughly 80% of Argentina's lemon/ limes output. Furthermore, based on cultivars,
Genova and Eureka are some of the most popular lemons cultivated in Argentina.
In Argentina, culturally, the yellow lemon is served together with Argentine
dishes.
5.Türkiye
Commonly, Türkiye is also one of the world’s biggest
country producers of lemon and limes in 2024. Statistically, the production of
lemon and limes from Türkiye reached 1,730,000 tons. Geographically, in
this country, there are some primary areas of lemon and limes plantations. Some
of them are in Adana (Cukurova Plain), Antalya, and Izmir (near Aegean Sea). In
this country, there are some popular lemons, some of them are Meyer Lemon,
Enterdonato Lemon, and Lamas Lemon. In Turkish cuisine, the lemon is served
alongside some dishes including mercimek çorbası, fried mussels (midye tava),
Limonata (Turkish lemonade).
6. Brazil
Brazil is the 6th biggest producer of Lemon and
limes in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the
production of lemon and limes reached 1,718,010 tons. Geographically, São
Paulo, Minas Gerais, Pará, Amazonas, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Bahia are
some of the main states of production of lemon and limes in Brazil. Based on genetics, there are some lemon and limes cultivar/ varieties grown
in Brazil. Some of them are Limão Taiti (Tahiti Lime / Persian Lime),
Limão-cravo (Rangpur Lime / Mandarin Lime), Limão-galego (Galician Lime), and
Limão-siciliano (Sicilian Lemon). Specifically, of all cultivars of lemon grown in Brazil, The Tahiti becomes
the most cultivated lemon, contributing around
90% of all lemon/lime production in Brazil. Furthermore, culturally, in Brazil,
the lemons are usually consumed freshly in the caipirinha and cachaça. In
addition, some limes are also served and squeezed in some dishes including churrasco
(grilled meat), fried fish, or pastéis (fried pastries).
7. United States of America
The United States of America is the 7th biggest
country producer of Lemon and Limes in 2024. According to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Lemon and Limes from the United States of America
reached 927,140 tons. Geographically, in the USA,
there are some states that have become the main region of Lemon and some of
them are California, Arizona, and Florida. In terms of genetic aspects, some of
the lemon and limes cultivars grown in the USA are Eureka, Lisbon, Meyer,
Persian (Tahiti), Key Lime (Mexican). Culturally, in the USA, lemons are the fruits that can
be used as brightening seafood, roasting chicken, and creating marinades.
8. Spain
Spain is the 8th biggest country producers of
lemon and limes in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of lemon and limes from Spain in 2024 reached 919,510
tons. Geographically, based in the regions, there are some provinces in Spain
that have huge
production of Lemon. Some of the provinces are Murcia, Valencia, Malaga, and
Almeria. Furthermore, based on the type of Lemon,
Fino and Verna are some of the most popular lemons in Spain. Culturally, in
Spain, the lemon can be served into some dishes including pescaíto frito
(Andalusian fried fish), magdalenas (traditional olive oil muffins), bizcocho
(sponge cake), yemas, Clara de limón (beer mixed with lemon soda or juice).
9. South Africa
South Africa is the 9th biggest producer of Lemon
and Limes in South Africa. Statistically, the production of Lemon from South
Africa reached 748,644 tons Geographically, in South Africa, there are some
states that have huge
production of Lemons. Some of them are Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Limpopo.
Meanwhile, Bearss and Tahiti are some of the most planted limes in South
Africa. Lime in Africa is still concentrated in Western Cape. In terms of
genetic aspects, there are some lemons and limes cultivars grown in South
Africa including Eureka, Lisbon, Bearss, Tahiti. Basically, in South Africa,
around 75% of harvested lemons are processed as oils and juice.
10. Colombia
Colombia also becomes one of the world’s largest country producers
of lemons and limes in 2024. Statistically, according to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of lemon and limes in 2024 reached
592,297 tons. In terms of genetics, some cultivars of lemons and limes grown in
Colombia are Limón Tahiti, and Limón Común. Geographically, in Colombia, there
are some main growing regions of lemons/ limen, including Valle del Cauca and
Antioquia
11.Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Iran is the 11th world’s biggest of Lemon and
limes in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the
production of Lemon and limes from Iran reached 509,862 tons. The lemon in Iran
basically concentrated in southern regions in the province of Fars and the province of Hormozgan of
Iran and it is popular with” Persian Sweet Lemons.” Culturally, in Iran, lemon/ limes are consumed fresh, and the lemon can be processed
into Limoo Amani (sun-dried limes, also known as black limes or loomi).
Basically, Limoo Amani is the ingredient giving a sour, savory flavor and a
distinctive smoky aroma to biryani rice, soups, and stews.
12. Italy
Statistically, the production of Lemon in Limes from Italy reached
431,590 tons. In Italy, there are
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) lemons which
produce high-quality, traceable fruits. Basically, it is cultivated in southern
Italy, including Limone di Siracusa, Limone Costa d ‘Amalfi, and Limone di
Sorrento. Functionally, in Italy, the lemon is used to balance richness and give the savory ingredients to the foods.
The Histogram Rank of 12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemon and Limes
.jpg "The Histogram Rank of 12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemon and Limes")
The Table Rank of 12 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Lemon and Limes
Bibliography of 12 World’s Biggest Producers of
Lemon and Limes in 2024
FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). 2026. Lemon and
Limes. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on February 3rd, 2026.
Passos, O.S., Souza, J.D.S., Bastos, D.C., Girardi, E.A., Gurgel,
F.D.L., Garcia, M.V.B., OLIVEIRA, R.D., and SOARES FILHO, W.D.S., 2018. Citrus
industry in Brazil with emphasis on tropical areas. In Citrus-Health
Benefits and Production Technology. IntechOpen.
Faber, B. 2019. Lemons, Citrus, Spain, EU, and Forecasts. accessed
via
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30571#:~:text=Following%20Argentina%2C%20Spain%20is%20the,Malaga%20and%20Almeria%20in%20Andalusia
on February 18th, 2023.
Bailey, N. 2022. Most of
the Lemons in The US Come from This State. Accessed
via https://www.tastingtable.com/1085225/most-of-the-lemons-in-the-us-come-from-this-state/ on February 18th, 2023.
Kriel, G. Lemons in South Africa Fruit Farming in South Africa.
Accessed via https://southafrica.co.za/lemons-south-africa.html