As the export quantity and value of Turkish lemons fell in March, this is said to likely mark the end of the Turkish lemon season. Exporters are said to have found more quality product ''exportable'', while domestic demand remains strong.
The export of lemons in March 2016 fell by 40 percent in quantity and 26 percent in value to almost 33,500 tonnes, while for the same period in 2015, more than 55,500 tons were exported.
Production of mid-season Lamas lemons was less than the previous season, due to adverse weather conditions.
Yet, when considering the season as a whole, from 28th of September 2015 (lemon cutting authorization date) to March 31, 2016, the overall export is similar to the previous season, with around 353,000 tonnes exported in comparison to about 351,000 tons in 2014-2015 and at a better prices (+ 11% in value compared to 2014-2015).
But it is mainly due to early season exports that this figure was reached. The biggest importer of lemons remains Russia, constituting 27% of total exports, despite a drastic fall of 44% in quantity, followed by Saudi Arabia 23% of total exports, Iraq 15%, Ukraine 12% and UAE 7%.
