Egypt strengthens its position in Qatar’s lemon market

Egyptian lemon exporters continue to expand their presence in Qatar, setting new records for the second consecutive marketing year (MY), according to EastFruit.

Between November 2024 and August 2025 (MY 2024/25), Egypt shipped more than 4,000 tons of lemons to Qatar, valued at USD 2.5 million. This volume is 20 times higher than in MY 2022/23 and nearly double the previous record set in MY 2023/24. Overall, Egypt’s average annual growth rate in lemon exports to Qatar during this period reached 350%.

Egypt first officially supplied lemons to Qatar in 2000, though annual volumes remained modest and did not exceed 1,000 tons until 2017. Trade was suspended during the Gulf diplomatic crisis (2017-2021), and only in April 2023 did Egyptian lemons re‑enter the Qatari market.

During Egypt’s absence, Turkey dominated Qatar’s lemon imports in winter, while South Africa led in summer, with Vietnam also among the top three suppliers.

Recently, Turkey’s lemon sector has faced significant challenges, including adverse weather and poor harvests. Domestic prices surged, and exports declined. EastFruit analysts had noted earlier that this situation would benefit Egyptian exporters, and indeed Egypt capitalized on the opportunity to strengthen its foothold in Qatar.

Also read: Egypt strengthens pumpkin exports to Italy for the third consecutive year

In MY 2023/24, Egypt merely caught up with Vietnam in export volumes. In MY 2024/25, however, Egypt surpassed both Vietnam and Turkey, rising to second place among suppliers.

As a result, Egypt’s share of Qatar’s lemon imports over the first 10 months of MY 2024/25 increased to 25%, compared with 11% in MY 2023/24. In winter months, Egyptian lemons dominated the market entirely—for example, in January 2025 they accounted for 75% of total imports.

It is also worth noting that Egypt has regained its position as the leading supplier of guava to Qatar.