Turkey targets $500 million lemon export by end‑2026

Turkey lemon export $500 million target Cengiz Balık Iraq Russia market export price rise

Turkey reported lemon export earnings of $195 million in the January‑April 2026 period, up 18 % from the previous quarter. Despite a 38 % drop in shipped tonnage, higher farm‑gate prices lifted total revenue, prompting officials to set a $500 million year‑end goal.

Ege Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association chairman Cengiz Balık said, “Lemon export rose from $165 million to $195 million, and we aim to surpass $500 million by the end of 2026.” He noted that lemons now represent about one‑third of the sector’s export volume, compared with roughly 7 % for other fresh produce.

The biggest buyers remain Iraq ($64.5 million), Russia ($50 million) and Romania ($14.5 million). Turkey’s lemon shipments have grown from 230 000 tons in 2002 to 577 000 tons in 2024, and officials expect further increases in the coming years.