Turkish Government Intervenes in Lemon Exports to Mitigate Supply Shortage
According to Citrus Industry Magazine, Turkey’s lemon production for the 2021–22 season was estimated at 1.4 million metric tonnes [MT], with exports projected at 780,000 MT – a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year
ANKARA, April 30, 2025 — The Turkish Ministry of Trade [MoT], in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry [MinAF], imposed a temporary ban on lemon exports on April 8, 2025 amid concerns over a potential domestic supply shortage following frost damage caused by a recent cold snap across several regions of the country.
In an official statement, the MoT explained that the measure was taken “to protect food supply and safety, to ensure public access to available food at reasonable prices, and to prevent manipulative price increases that may occur in food markets.”
The decision, however, drew criticism from Turkish lemon exporters, who said they were not consulted prior to the announcement. They argued that existing lemon stocks were more than sufficient to meet domestic demand and warned that the abrupt export ban could lead to falling prices for local producers.
Exporters also expressed concern over the potential long-term loss of market share in key international markets during what is typically a crucial export period for Turkish lemons.
Industry representatives noted that the large volumes of warehoused lemon stocks, resulting from favourable weather conditions earlier in the season and an early harvest, should have been taken into account before any restrictive measures were introduced. Market analysis suggests that Turkey’s lemon stock levels are currently above average.
In response to the backlash from the sector, the MoT announced on April 10, 2025 that the export ban would be temporarily lifted. However, the ministry warned that domestic market prices would continue to be closely monitored, and further intervention could be considered if necessary.
Turkey is a major global producer and exporter of lemons, with substantial trade volumes both domestically and abroad. According to Citrus Industry Magazine, Turkey’s lemon production for the 2021–22 season was estimated at 1.4 million metric tonnes [MT], with exports projected at 780,000 MT – a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Exporters have called for a more measured and consultative approach to future government interventions affecting trade. They argue that sudden bans, tariffs, or quotas – particularly those introduced without prior notice or industry input – can destabilise supply chains and damage long-term market relationships.
In January 2022, the Turkish government granted MinAF the authority to ban exports of agricultural products when deemed necessary to stabilise domestic markets. Since then, Türkiye has temporarily restricted exports of more than a dozen key agricultural commodities, including vegetable oils, pulses, meat, and some dairy products. Export quotas have also been used to regulate trade flows where needed.
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