Market
Brazil is a significant producer of acidic citrus (lemons and limes), with FAO/FAOSTAT-referenced reporting showing production around 1.6 million tonnes in 2020. Embrapa (citing IBGE) indicates that key producing states in 2021 included São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Pará and Bahia, with São Paulo the largest producer. The Tahiti lime (lima ácida Tahiti), popularly called “limão Tahiti”, dominates much of the acidic-citrus area in São Paulo and supports a meaningful fresh export segment. Phytosanitary pressure from citrus greening (HLB) in the main citrus belt is a major supply-side risk and can increase production and compliance costs for export programs.
Market RoleMajor producer with an export segment
Risks
Phytosanitary HighCitrus greening (huanglongbing/HLB) is widespread in Brazil’s main citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo/Sudoeste Mineiro); Fundecitrus reported 44.35% incidence in 2024, creating material supply and cost risk for fresh citrus programs.Require orchard-level HLB management and monitoring; diversify sourcing across producing regions; track Fundecitrus incidence updates in procurement risk reviews.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImporting-country phytosanitary requirements can change; MAPA notes that requirements listed in T-Rex may be altered by importing NPPOs without prior notice, and non-compliance can result in delays or rejection.Reconfirm requirements with the buyer/importing NPPO pre-shipment; validate documents and any required additional declarations against the latest T-Rex and protocol checklists.
Food Safety MediumPesticide residue non-compliance is a recurring market-access and reputational risk for fresh produce; Anvisa operates PARA to monitor residues in plant foods sold domestically, while export shipments face destination MRL enforcement.Implement GAP-based spray programs, keep application records, and use residue testing aligned to destination MRLs and retailer requirements.
Logistics MediumFresh citrus exports are sensitive to cold-chain breaks and delays; reefer capacity constraints and freight volatility can reduce arrival quality and increase landed costs.Book reefer capacity early, use temperature loggers, and agree on contingency plans (alternate sailings/ports) with carriers and buyers.
Sustainability- Agrochemical residue compliance scrutiny (Anvisa PARA monitoring for domestic market; export buyers apply destination MRLs).
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) — Fruit and Vegetables
FAQ
Which Brazilian states are major producers of lemons and limes?Embrapa (citing IBGE) highlights São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Pará and Bahia as leading producing states for acidic citrus in 2021, with São Paulo as the largest producer.
What is the most critical phytosanitary risk affecting Brazil’s citrus supply?Citrus greening (HLB) is the key threat in the main citrus belt; Fundecitrus reported high incidence in São Paulo and the Triângulo/Sudoeste Mineiro region in its 2024 survey.
How do exporters in Brazil obtain a phytosanitary certificate for fresh plant products?MAPA issues the phytosanitary certificate as Brazil’s NPPO. The request is submitted through the Siscomex Single Foreign Trade Portal using the appropriate LPCO model, and exporters must meet the destination’s phytosanitary requirements (as available in MAPA’s T-Rex system).