South Africa and Argentina boost lemon exports in 2026

South Africa's Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa increased its 2026 lemon export forecast to 49.4 million 15 kg cartons, up from 45.8 million, after a meeting of its Lemon Variety Focus Group. The revision reflects favourable weather, larger fruit sizes and strong coordination across the logistics chain, although the season is expected to contract sharply around mid‑July.

In the same year, Argentina exported 140,000 tonnes of lemons—a 40 % increase—while South Africa shipped about 370,000 tonnes, a 24 % year‑on‑year rise. Reduced output from Turkey and Spain left a gap in the European market that the Southern‑Hemisphere exporters filled. Europe takes 57 % of Argentine shipments; Russia, the United States and other regions receive the remainder. Early‑season prices hovered around $2 kg FOB and are projected to decline as supply stabilises.