Argentina’s lemon production for 2025–26 is projected to remain steady at 1.9 million metric tons (MMT) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). That projection is supported by mild weather conditions throughout the growing cycle. Lemon production in 2024–25 was 1.91 MMT.
IMPROVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES
Over the past decade, the Argentine lemon sector has benefited from substantial investment in orchard renewal, improved production practices and upgraded processing technology. Approximately 70% to 75% of national output is destined for the export processing industry, primarily for essential oils, frozen pulp and dehydrated peel.
Despite these improvements, the sector continues to face growing competition in international markets and persistent domestic economic pressures. Producers have been particularly affected by global oversupply and stagnant demand in the fresh citrus market, resulting in sustained downward pressure on prices over the last five years.
PLANTED AREA
Lemon planted area in 2025–26 is estimated to remain at 45,000 hectares. Harvested area is expected to slightly increase as producers, encouraged by improved market prices and stronger profitability expectations, bring previously abandoned orchards back into production. In addition, some aging or low-yielding trees were replaced with certified nursery stock, contributing to gradual orchard renewal and improved productivity.
EXPORT MARKETS
The forecast for fresh lemon exports in 2025–26 stands at 210,000 metric tons. The main destination is expected to be the United States, followed by the European Union.
The United States was the main destination for Argentina’s fresh lemon exports in 2024, accounting for 63% of total shipments. Russia followed with 16%. The Netherlands, Greece and Spain represented smaller yet stable European markets, with shares of 6%, 5% and 4%, respectively. Ukraine and Italy each captured 3% of export volumes.
Argentina’s export profile continues to be highly concentrated, with the U.S. market driving most of the demand while secondary destinations provide additional diversification across Europe.
See the full USDA FAS annual report on Argentine citrus here.
Source: USDA FAS
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