Lemons and limes market in South America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the South American lemon and lime market contracted in volume, falling from 3.9 million tons to 3.2 million tons. This decline was primarily driven by reduced production in Brazil, the region's key producer, where unfavorable weather conditions like irregular rains hampered output in 2019. Additionally, a 29% drop in export revenue early that year signaled weaker international demand, further limiting grower incentives. The following year, the sector faced ongoing challenges, including heightened competition from Mexican exports and pressure to adopt costly sustainable practices, which contributed to another year of lower production and a smaller domestic market.

The market rebounded strongly from 2021 onward, with volume reaching 4.8 million tons by 2023. A decisive factor was the sharp increase in planted area, which expanded by 33% in São Paulo and neighboring regions by 2022. This expansion was coupled with the introduction of new, more productive Tahiti lime genotypes that yielded 200% more than average, boosting overall supply. Furthermore, the opening of the Chilean market in 2022 and a favorable exchange rate that made exports more profitable encouraged higher production, which in turn fed into greater domestic availability.

Throughout the period, Brazil solidified its position as a global leader in lime productivity, with the highest yields per hectare worldwide. While approximately 85% of Tahiti lime production is destined for export, notably to European markets like the Netherlands and the UK, the growth in total output ensured that the local market volume also expanded consistently after 2020, supported by continuous investment in acreage and technology.

Production lemons and limes in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

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

South America's production of lemons and limes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3,762 thousand tons, marking a significant 10.4% drop from 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 4,395 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's lemons and limes production value also fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 3,247 million US dollars, down 13.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 18%, averaging a 6.4% annual decline. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4,723 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 19.2% that year, while 2019 saw the steepest drop of 21.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lemons and limes from South America

Exports in kind, K t

South America exported 522.9 thousand tons of lemons and limes in 2020, an 11.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 4.4%, while 2018 saw the biggest rise of 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South America's lemons and limes exports in kind were distributed across many partner countries. The top three destinations—the Netherlands (22.8% of exports), the United States (16.3%), and Spain (10.6%)—accounted for 49.8% of total flows, indicating a diverse export market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, South America's lemons and limes exports in value terms reached 451.3 million US dollars, up 8.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 417.7 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 528.4 million US dollars. The largest annual decline was 20.9% in 2019, and the biggest increase was 14.0% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands (21.9% of exports in value), the United States (17.5%), and Spain (10.8%) were the leading destinations for South America's lemons and limes exports, together making up 50.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lemons and limes to South America

Imports in kind, K t

South America imported 7.4 thousand tons of lemons and limes in 2020, a sharp 57.7% decrease from 2019. Imports fell by 51.9% over the 2017-2020 period, with a compound annual decline rate of 21.7%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 17.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Spain were the largest sources for South America's lemons and limes imports in kind, jointly representing 20.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

South America imported about 19.9 million US dollars worth of lemons and limes in 2020, down 12.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 1.6%. The peak value was in 2019 at 22.7 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest annual increase of 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017-2020, the United States and Spain were prominent suppliers of lemons and limes to South America in value terms, together accounting for 36.9% of total imports.

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

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