Turkey lifts restriction on export of lemons

The Turkish Trade Ministry has lifted a requirement for domestic producers to obtain advance permission before exporting lemons. The decision, published in the Official Gazette early on Aug. 7, rescinded the restriction which was initially placed amid a rising domestic demand for lemons due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Turkey’s Trade Ministry lifted the restriction on the export of lemons, according to an official notification published in the Official Gazette on Aug. 7.

Export of lemons will thereby no longer require the approval of the government.

In April, Turkey subjected lemons to export control amid a rising domestic demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. The restriction was set to continue until the end of August.

Lemons have become a highly in-demand commodity during the COVID-19 outbreak, as Turkish consumers stockpiled the alcohol-based, traditional lemon-scented cologne, kolonya, depriving the domestic market.

The prices of lemon saw a sharp spike since the start of the outbreak.