Japan's lemon import volumes rose 6% year-on-year from January through July to 31,945 metric tons (MT), with Chile largely responsible for the growth.

The figure, however, only represents a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2015.

Numerous Southern Hemisphere countries achieved double-digit growth in shipments to Japan, with the second-largest supplier, Chile, seeing a 16% increase to 8,914MT.

New Zealand saw 35% growth to 633MT and South African shipment rose 55% to 493MT.

The U.S., which was the leading lemon supplier to Japan by far, saw its volumes remain stable at 21,874MT, marking a 1% year-on-year rise but an 8% decline over 2015.

The changing dynamics mean the U.S.'s market share over the seven-month period has reduced from 76% in 2015 to 68% this year.

Chile, meanwhile, has seen its share increase from 21% to 28%.

Japan was the U.S.'s leading lemon export market over the period, followed by Canada and South Korea.

The U.S. was Chile's leading market, receiving double the volumes sent to Japan, its second-biggest market.

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