Iraq Leads Turkish Lemon Markets with Record Export Value in 2025

Turkish lemon exports to Iraq recorded a value of 81 million dollars during 2025. Cengiz Balık, Chairman of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, stated that Turkish lemon exports directed to Iraq reached this value during the period from January to April 2025, placing Iraq at the top of the list of importers, surpassing Russia and Romania. Balık also indicated that these exports witnessed a significant increase of 62% compared to the same period last year, with their value rising from 30.6 million dollars to 50 million dollars. This increase has strengthened Iraq's position as the largest foreign market for the Turkish product. Furthermore, Balık explained that total Turkish lemon exports have experienced substantial growth over recent years, soaring from 230 thousand tons in 2002 to 577 thousand tons in 2024, with expectations of continued growth in the coming years. He also noted that lemons have become Turkey's most exported fresh fruit and vegetable product during the first four months of 2026, outperforming mandarins, tomatoes, and peppers.