Lemons and limes market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Caribbean lemons and limes market volume grew from 85.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 128.4 thousand tons in 2023, a cumulative increase of over 50%. This expansion was primarily driven by a sharp rise in local production, which increased from 78.1 thousand tons to 121.1 thousand tons over the same period.

While domestic output surged, net imports played a fluctuating role. Imports fell from 8.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 6.8 thousand tons in 2019, then recovered modestly, ending at 9.8 thousand tons in 2023. Exports also varied, peaking at 2.7 thousand tons in 2021 before a temporary halt in 2022. The entry of large supply volumes from major Southern Hemisphere producers like South Africa and Argentina added competitive pressure on trade flows throughout the period.

The Caribbean market is part of the larger Latin America and Caribbean region, a dominant global player in lemons and limes. By 2024, regional consumption reached several million tons, with Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil accounting for the bulk of production and demand. Within the region, countries like Colombia have shown exceptionally fast consumption growth, reflecting broader trends that also influence the Caribbean.

Production lemons and limes in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

World map of production of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

Caribbean's production of lemons and limes has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 89.2 thousand tons, showing a modest year-over-year growth of 9.3%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 78.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 2.7% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports lemons and limes from Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Caribbean's exports of lemons and limes rebounded in 2020. The region exported 1,886 tons, marking a dramatic year-over-year increase of 54.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,218 tons, which also experienced the largest drop of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for Caribbean lemons and limes was highly diversified. The top three destinations—the Netherlands (17.1% of exports), the United States (7.4%), and Belgium (5.0%)—collectively accounted for only 29.5% of total exports. The remaining 70.5% was distributed among numerous other countries, highlighting a broad partner landscape.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Caribbean's export earnings from lemons and limes fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1,081 thousand US dollars, representing a steep decline of 67.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 72.4%, with an average annual decline of 34.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 5,861 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 49.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the buyer portfolio for Caribbean lemons and limes was extensive. The United States (7.3% of export value), the Netherlands (5.8%), and France (3.8%) together contributed just 16.9% of total export value. Many other countries held smaller but still significant shares, indicating a broad market reach.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports lemons and limes to Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of lemons and limes to the Caribbean showed notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2017, while imports peaked in 2018, with the peak being twice as high as the low. In 2020, imports reached 7,663 tons, up 12.4% from 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 8,628 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 104.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 21.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (41.3% of imports), Colombia (14.3%), and Mexico (3.8%) were the primary sources for Caribbean imports of lemons and limes. Together, these three countries accounted for 59.4% of total import volumes, dominating the geographical breakdown.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Caribbean's import spending on lemons and limes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 10,033 thousand US dollars, a strong decrease of 16.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 13.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The highest value was in 2018 at 14,561 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 25.1%. The largest decline was in 2019, down 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, the United States (60.8% of import value), Colombia (10.1%), and Mexico (2.8%) formed the main group of suppliers for Caribbean imports of lemons and limes. Their combined share totaled 73.7% of total import value, indicating a concentrated market in terms of value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Caribbean in value, 2017-2020