Lemons and limes market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Colombia's lemons and limes market saw substantial growth in both production and domestic consumption, despite a temporary contraction in 2020. Production rose from 276 thousand tons to 541 thousand tons, while the market size expanded from 256 thousand tons to 476 thousand tons over the period.

The market's expansion from 2022 onward was driven by a strong export orientation. In 2022, lime exports nearly doubled in value as producers targeted the United States market, boosting overall production. The following year, lemon exports grew by 23%, supported by new exporters like Green Fruits International entering the market with a focus on quality and traceability. By 2024, exports continued to surge, reaching 97 thousand tons, as Colombian limes gained market share in the U.S. during Mexico's off-season and global shortages in competitor nations like Brazil and Peru increased demand for Colombian fruit.

This export-led growth was underpinned by investments in expanding plantations, geographic diversification of growing regions to mitigate climate risks, and the adoption of sustainable practices. The Tahiti lemon variety solidified its position as Colombia's third-most exported fruit, attracting significant new investment aimed at further international market access.

Production lemons and limes in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Colombia ranked as the 14th largest producer of lemons and limes from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

Colombia's production of lemons and limes declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 305.2 K t, marking a moderate year-over-year decrease of 8.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 28.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 334.7 K t, when production saw its largest annual increase of 21.2%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

Colombia's exports of lemons and limes grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 33 372 t, representing a dramatic 39.6% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 102%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Ecuador were the top buyers of Colombian lemons and limes by volume. The United States accounted for 36.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 12.0%, and Ecuador for 11.3%. Together, these three countries made up 60.2% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Colombia's export value for lemons and limes rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 32 080 K $ US, up 20.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 144.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 34.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and France consistently led as the main destinations for Colombian lemons and limes by value. The United States held 36.4% of export value, the Netherlands 18.5%, and France 11.0%. Combined, these three countries represented 66.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Colombia's imports of lemons and limes fell after two years of increases. In 2020, imports amounted to 424 t, a 50.0% drop year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 22.1%, with an annualized rate of 6.9%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 848 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 69.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador dominated Colombia's imports of lemons and limes by volume, accounting for 70.5% of total imports. Other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Colombia's import value for lemons and limes decreased after two years of gains. In 2020, imports stood at 151 K $ US, down 57.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value declined by 17.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.3%. The peak was in 2019 at 352 K $ US, following the largest annual increase of 62.5% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, Ecuador, and the United States were the primary suppliers of lemons and limes to Colombia by value. Chile accounted for 38.7% of import value, Ecuador for 14.4%, and the United States for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 64.7% of total import value.

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

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