Due to ongoing drought conditions, the lemon harvest this season is expected to be delayed. Currently, purchase prices at production sites have risen by nearly 80% compared to the same period last year, weakening the price advantage of Chinese lemons this season.
Xuewang Lemon operates packaging factories across multiple regions in China and holds complete export certifications. Its primary markets are Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, with active expansion efforts in Russia and the Middle East. Ma, the company's sales director, shared insights into the current Sichuan lemon season: "Production volumes remain uncertain at this stage. We estimate a 20%-30% decline compared to normal years, primarily due to prolonged dry weather and a shortened harvesting period. The drought makes the 2024-2025 production outlook unpredictable."
Regarding pricing, Ma explained, "The current purchase price for bulk lemons at production sites is ¥6 per kilogram, about 80% higher than the same period last year. This sharp price increase has significantly impacted exports, particularly to Russia and Central Asia, where markets are still adjusting to last season's lower prices. As a result, delayed orders could substantially affect the sales cycle of Chinese lemons in these regions."
Discussing the international market, Ma noted, "Early-season lemons primarily come from Egypt and Turkey, with their availability overlapping with Chinese lemons. Later, South Africa and Argentina enter the market. Last season, Chinese lemons gained market share internationally due to their price and quality advantages, pushing export value beyond ¥100 million. However, in the 2024-2025 season, while the price advantage has diminished, Chinese lemons continue to improve in overall quality. Most domestic packaging plants have upgraded to Reemoon color sorting equipment. Our factory utilizes a 12-channel sorting system—the largest and most advanced in the production region—greatly enhancing processing efficiency and product quality. With last year's increased export volume, Chinese lemons have gradually built a strong reputation among overseas importers."
Currently, the Southeast Asian market remains Xuewang Lemon's primary export destination, with plans to expand into the Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia. Ma commented, "As Egyptian lemons phase out, demand in Southeast Asia is expected to rebound gradually. However, Indonesia's quota system remains unchanged, and Turkish lemons in the Central Asian and Russian markets are still present, though they are expected to be fully withdrawn by mid-to-late March. Overall, due to rising prices, this year's export volume is projected to decline by around 50%. However, the price increase will help curb excessive competition and raise the market entry threshold, leading to a more stable business environment."
Xuewang Lemon currently operates packaging factories in production areas for Eureka lemons, Xiangshui lemons, and navel oranges, ensuring a stable export supply. The company primarily serves Hong Kong and Southeast Asia while actively expanding into Russia and the Middle East. Ma revealed that Xuewang follows a national agency model, partnering with long-term, stable importers in various countries. "We organize annual conferences with high-quality partner orchards to share domestic and international market trends, industry developments, and the latest agricultural techniques. Additionally, we establish transparent quality standards and purchase prices to ensure openness and accountability throughout the process," he said.
