Lemons and limes market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the physical volume of the lemons and limes market in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a notable shift. After initial stability around 6.2–6.3 million tons in 2018–2019, consumption dropped to 5.99 million tons in 2020. This was followed by a sustained expansion, with the market growing to 6.74 million tons in 2021, 7.30 million tons in 2022, and reaching 7.71 million tons in 2023. Overall, the market volume increased by 22.6% from 2018 to 2023.

In value terms, the market displayed a similar pattern but with more pronounced swings. Starting at 7.07 billion USD in 2018, the market value declined to 6.13 billion USD in 2019 and further to 5.90 billion USD in 2020. A recovery began in 2021, lifting the value to 6.04 billion USD, followed by strong growth to 7.30 billion USD in 2022 and 8.27 billion USD in 2023. By the end of the period, the market value had recovered and exceeded its 2018 level.

Production lemons and limes in Latin America and the 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

Production of lemons and limes in Latin America and the Caribbean has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 6 950 thousand tons, representing a controlled contraction of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 7 234 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 9.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of lemon and lime production in Latin America and the Caribbean has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 6 826 million US dollars, marking a measured year-on-year loss of 3.6%. The highest value was achieved in 2018 at 8 122 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 16.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 12.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

After rising for two years, exports of lemons and limes from Latin America and the Caribbean declined in 2020. Shipments totaled 982 thousand tons, showing a slight decrease of 2.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 9.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 006 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase of 8.0% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain formed the core group of markets for exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 54.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.4%, and Spain for 5.4%, together representing 72.9% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of lemon and lime exports from Latin America and the Caribbean has decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 965 million US dollars, down by 2.3% compared to the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 091 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for exports in value terms were the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain. Together, they accounted for 74.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports lemons and limes to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of lemons and limes into Latin America and the Caribbean have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 17 thousand tons, equivalent to a sharp decline of 33.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.3%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 28 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 42.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017–2020, the United States and Spain were the principal sources for imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 23.6% of total flows into Latin America and the Caribbean.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of lemon and lime imports into Latin America and the Caribbean has fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 35 million US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 8.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 42 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 23.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In the period 2017–2020, the United States and Spain stood out as the main suppliers in value terms, together forming 43.2% of total imports into Latin America and the Caribbean.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020