Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh lemon in Panama is primarily a domestic-consumption market supplied by both local citrus production (reported in FAOSTAT) and imports. UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS platform shows Panama imported USD 3.37 million (2,864,620 kg) of lemons and limes (fresh or dried; HS 080530 in HS 1988/92 series) in 2023, with Peru as the dominant origin. Export volumes appear limited: WITS shows Panama exported USD 32.93 thousand (29,225 kg) in 2024, mainly to France. Market access is strongly shaped by phytosanitary import requirements issued by Panama’s Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) through the National Plant Health Directorate (DNSV), including IPPC-model phytosanitary certification and potential pest risk analysis when requirements are not yet established.
Market RoleNet importer with limited exports; imports supplement domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption fruit market (household and foodservice use), with imports covering a meaningful share of supply
Specification
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporter/packhouse (origin country) → international freight (often refrigerated) → Panama port entry → importer/wholesaler distribution → retail and foodservice
Temperature- Cold-chain continuity is important to reduce dehydration and decay during transit and distribution.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and appearance degrade quickly with temperature breaks, physical damage, and extended dwell time at ports or warehouses.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFresh citrus shipments can be blocked if they do not meet Panama’s MIDA/DNSV phytosanitary import requirements for the specific product and origin (including required IPPC-format phytosanitary certification and any stated conditions); citrus quarantine pest concerns (e.g., HLB/citrus greening or citrus canker in origin areas) heighten scrutiny and can trigger refusal, quarantine actions, or requirement changes.Obtain the applicable MIDA/DNSV import requirements for the exact origin before contracting; align exporter documentation and any additional declarations/treatments with the exporting NPPO; run pre-shipment inspections against DNSV conditions.
Phytosanitary MediumIf an importer seeks to bring fresh lemons from a new origin without an established requirement, MIDA/DNSV may require a pest risk analysis (ARP) and request technical information from the exporting NPPO, delaying first-market access.Start the DNSV request process early for new origins; prepare scientific name, supplier details, and origin information; support the exporting NPPO in responding promptly to DNSV information requests.
Logistics MediumFresh lemons are quality-sensitive; port delays, reefer equipment constraints, or temperature breaks can increase shrink and downgrade, raising effective landed cost in Panama’s retail and foodservice channels.Use refrigerated logistics with temperature monitoring, build buffer time into ETAs, and align inventory turnover with arrival quality windows.
FAQ
Where does Panama import lemons and limes from?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows Panama’s 2023 imports of lemons and limes (fresh or dried) were dominated by Peru, with additional imports from Colombia, the United States, Spain, and Chile.
What is the key phytosanitary document for importing fresh lemons into Panama?MIDA’s DNSV references phytosanitary certification aligned to IPPC certificate models and issues product-and-origin specific import phytosanitary requirements; importers should ensure the shipment is covered by an IPPC-model phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting NPPO and meets the DNSV requirements for that origin.
Is Panama a significant exporter of fresh lemons and limes?WITS (UN Comtrade) shows Panama’s recorded exports are small relative to imports; for example, exports in 2024 were reported at about USD 32.93 thousand (29,225 kg), mainly to France.