Egyptian lemon export - Eureka and Baladi varieties from PEI Trade

Saudi Arabia is the single largest destination for Egyptian lemons, absorbing roughly half of Egypt’s export volume in a typical season. For Saudi importers, wholesalers and HORECA distributors, Egyptian lemons (HS 0805.50) combine an export season from the end of September to May, short Red Sea transit and competitive pricing. This guide covers varieties, logistics, SFDA import requirements and seasonality for buyers sourcing from Egypt.

Quick Answer

Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s #1 lemon market (~half of export volume). Exports run from the end of September to May. Main varieties are Eureka (Adalia, thick-peel, retail) and Baladi (round, high-juice, foodservice). Transit is 3–7 days via Jeddah/Dammam. Imports require an SFDA health certificate, phytosanitary certificate and Halal-compliant handling; MRL compliance is checked at port.

Why Saudi Arabia Imports Egyptian Lemons

Saudi Arabia has limited domestic citrus production and high fresh-lemon consumption driven by its foodservice sector, juice demand and household cooking. Egypt is the natural supplier: a short sea route through the Red Sea, matching quality tiers for both retail and wholesale, and an export season from the end of September to May. Egyptian lemons compete with South African and Turkish fruit but win on freight cost and calendar coverage, which is why Egypt and South Africa together dominate the Saudi lemon shelf.

Market snapshotDetail
Rank for Egyptian lemons#1 destination (~50% of volume)
HS code0805.50 (lemons & limes)
Main entry portsJeddah, Dammam
Transit time3–7 days by sea
Export seasonEnd of September–May
Key varietiesEureka (Adalia), Baladi

Varieties & Grades

Eureka (Adalia): the export-standard lemon — elongated, thick-skinned, bright yellow, with good shelf life for retail and long-haul. Baladi: the traditional round Egyptian lemon, thinner skin, very high juice content, favoured by juicing and foodservice buyers. Both are graded by calibre and packed in 15 kg or 10 kg telescopic cartons.

Logistics & Route

Shipments go CFR / CIF to your port, or FOB Egypt. Transit to Jeddah (Red Sea) and Dammam (via Suez/Gulf) is roughly 3–7 days depending on the port pair. Lemons are carried in reefer containers at the temperature set for the product. Overland reefer trucking via the land bridge is also used for time-sensitive orders. Fruit is pre-cooled, waxed and fungicide-treated within permitted limits before loading.

Import Requirements

Saudi imports require a phytosanitary certificate from Egypt’s Central Administration of Plant Quarantine, an SFDA-recognised health/food-safety certificate, and a certificate of origin. Pesticide residues must meet Saudi/GSO MRLs, verified by sampling at the port of entry. Consignments must follow Halal-compliant handling and labelling in Arabic (product, origin, packer, net weight, lot). Cartons carry the exporter code and traceability lot. GLOBALG.A.P certification at farm level is expected by most organised Saudi buyers.

Season & Availability

PeriodAvailability
End of September–MayExport season — Baladi & Eureka

Egyptian lemon exports run from the end of September to May.

Is Egypt the biggest lemon supplier to Saudi Arabia?

Egypt and South Africa are the two dominant suppliers to the Saudi lemon market. Saudi Arabia takes the largest single share of Egypt’s lemon exports — about half.

Which lemon variety is best for Saudi Arabia?

Eureka (Adalia) for retail and long shelf life; Baladi for juicing and foodservice due to its high juice content.

What documents are needed to import Egyptian lemons?

A phytosanitary certificate, an SFDA-recognised health certificate, a certificate of origin, and MRL/Halal-compliant handling. GLOBALG.A.P is expected by organised buyers.

What is the transit time from Egypt to Saudi Arabia?

Roughly 3–7 days by reefer sea freight to Jeddah or Dammam, carried in reefer containers at the temperature set for the product.

Source & data: Egyptian lemon exports ~100,000 tonnes (2023), Saudi Arabia largest market. Source: FreshPlaza, 2024. HS code 0805.50 (lemons & limes). Figures are Egypt-market trade data; per-shipment specifications are confirmed at contracting.

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