Turkey temporarily suspends lemon exports due to weather conditions

Turkey is going to temporarily halt the export of lemons starting April 8, 2025, due to unfavorable weather conditions in lemon-growing areas and the necessity to satisfy domestic demand. This decision is a result of cold weather and frost reported in the Mediterranean provinces of Adana, Mersin, and Hatay. This measure, agreed upon by the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, aims to maintain supply stability and prioritize the domestic market. The suspension of lemon exports could potentially drive up lemon prices in Ukraine, which imported over $108 million worth of Turkish lemons in 2024, making it the third-largest importer after Russia and Iraq.

Turkey will temporarily suspend the export of lemons from April 8, 2025 due to adverse weather conditions in citrus harvest regions and the need to meet domestic demand, Ilkha news agency reported, citing a statement from the Turkish Ministry of Trade. “The export of lemons has been temporarily suspended from April 8, 2025. This decision was made to protect domestic demand and ensure supply stability after the cold weather and frosts observed throughout the country,” the Turkish ministry said in a statement. According to the Ministry of Trade, frosts have recently been recorded in the Mediterranean provinces of Adana, Mersin and Hatay. The decision to suspend exports was agreed with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The ministry noted that additional measures may be taken if necessary to stabilize the situation. According to Anadolu Agency, in 2024, Turkey exported 1 million 639 thousand tons of citrus fruits, which brought the country $ 1 billion 46 million 128 ...