Türkiye has decided to halt lemon exports temporarily due to concerns about ensuring sufficient domestic supply and addressing rising prices. The decision followed a joint evaluation conducted by the Trade Ministry and the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry.
Considering the recent cold weather and frost incidents in specific regions of the country, the Trade Ministry will temporarily cease lemon exports starting April 8, according to a written official statement.
The decision on Monday seeks to ensure food supply security amidst concerns over limited availability and fluctuating prices. Officials linked the move to recent frost damage in southern regions, including Adana, Mersin, and Hatay, which prompted the action.
The Trade Ministry noted that the market conditions will be closely monitored, and further measures will be considered if necessary. Authorities underscored the government’s dedication to utilizing trade policy tools to safeguard domestic production and ensure consistent food availability.
Turkish media reports that producers claim only a limited quantity of lemons remains on the trees, as most of the harvest has already been stored for year-round consumption. Producers assert that current lemon stocks surpass domestic demand. Exporters, on the other hand, argue that such export bans damage Türkiye’s reputation in the global market and may drive international buyers to seek other suppliers.
The temporary suspension of lemon exports has raised worries among Türkiye’s producers and exporters. For the past decade, the country’s lemon production has consistently exceeded domestic demand by about 2.5 times. In 2023, an oversupply combined with sluggish domestic and global demand resulted in a large amount of lemons going unharvested. To address the issue, several municipalities stepped in to organize large-scale purchases to assist farmers.
Adverse weather conditions, such as drought and unexpected cold during the flowering phase, led to an estimated 30% decline in production. Although the disruption caused a moderate rise in prices, the surplus helped keep these hikes under control.
Recently, lemon prices have surged sharply from ₺35 ($0.92)–₺40 per kilogram to over ₺60.
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