The sudden surge in retail lemon prices in Uzbekistan has become a focal point, especially among consumers at fresh produce markets and supermarkets. According to EastFruit experts, this once-affordable fruit is now reaching unprecedented price levels, with fruit and vegetable traders suggesting that the peak might not yet be reached.
In the past four weeks, lemon prices in Uzbekistan have jumped by 65%, marking the sharpest increase among all produce. Current prices are nearly triple compared to the previous year. As of June 12-13, 2025, major supermarkets in Tashkent were selling lemons at 53,000 UZS/kg ($4.19), contrasting with 32,000 UZS/kg ($2.48) a month earlier and 17,000 UZS/kg ($1.35) in June 2024.
Two primary factors are driving this surge in lemon prices. The first involves a lemon crisis in Turkey, the world's largest lemon exporter. Turkey experienced a drastic reduction in lemon yields due to adverse weather, and even imposed a temporary export ban to stabilize domestic prices. By early May 2025, the price of lemons in Turkey soared to 60 Turkish lira per kilogram ($1.56). With high logistical costs for importing lemons to Uzbekistan, domestic prices increased in tandem.
The second factor concerns seasonality and the depletion of local lemon supplies in Uzbekistan. The country mainly cultivates the Meyer lemon in greenhouses, harvested in cycles from August to February. By early summer, the reserves of local lemons are nearly depleted, prompting a price hike. By mid-June 2025, local lemons were sold for 70,000 UZS/kg ($5.53), while imported lemons from Argentina were priced lower at 53,000 UZS/kg ($4.19).
Forecasts suggest that lemon prices will likely remain high until October-November, as the early local harvest is limited. Large price reductions are anticipated only when the main harvest season commences. This persistence of high prices may lead some consumers to forgo lemons in their traditional Uzbek tea, opting instead for other beverages, despite rising global prices, such as coffee.
Source: EastFruit