W13 Lemon and Lime Update: US Lemon Production Expected to Decline by 25%, Mexico's Lemon Prices Increase by 5%, Colombia Targets China for Tahitian Lime Exports

Published 2024년 4월 5일

In W13 in the lemon and lime landscape, lemon production is expected to drop by 25% YoY in the US, with Spain's ASAJA-Alicante calling for a special plan to safeguard the province's economy. Furthermore, Mexico's lemon prices rose by 5.0% due to rising inflation, while Colombia is exploring China for Tahitian lime exports, aiming to create new opportunities for Colombian tropical fruits.

US Lemon Production Forecasted to Decrease by 25% in 2023/24 Season

The latest United States (US) citrus crop forecast for 2023/24 stands at 4.85 million tons as of Mar-24, a 1% year-over-year (YoY) decrease from the previous year's final utilized total of 4.9 million tons. According to the Mar-24 United States Department of Agriculture - National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) Crop Production report, lemon production, primarily from California, is anticipated to drop by 25% YoY, from 1.1 million tons in the 2022/23 season to 836 thousand tons in the 2023/24 season.

ASAJA-Alicante Urges Special Lemon Plan to Safeguard Province's Economy

In Spain, Lemon farmers in Alicante face a crisis due to a lack of commercial outlets, particularly in the Vega Baja region. Agricultural organization La Asociación de Jóvenes Agricultores (ASAJA-Alicante) calls for a special lemon plan, as they contribute significantly to the province's income and local economy. The plan should include direct aid, specific financing options, and tax relief and ensure farmers can continue operations without abandoning their orchards. A long-term solution involving fairer contracts is also needed.

Mexico's Lemon Prices Surged by 5% Amidst Rising Inflation

In the first half of Mar-24, the price of lemons in Mexico rose by 5%, making it one of the five products with the highest cost increase. This increase comes alongside the country's inflation rate of 4.4%, higher than the rate recorded in Feb-24. Mexico's ongoing lack of rain significantly impacts the country's agriculture, as many crops rely on adequate rainfall for proper growth. Agricultural producers have had to raise prices to avoid significant losses due to the drought. The prices of other crops like onions and tomatoes, which depend on rainfall, are expected to increase by as much as 70% YoY.

Colombian Agriculture Minister Collaborates with China for Tahitian Lime Exports

Colombia is exploring China as a promising market for Tahitian limes. The Colombian Minister of Agriculture is working with the Chinese ambassador in Colombia to start exports to China. The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) is looking for new sources of Colombian tropical fruits, as 66% of agricultural and agro-industrial exports currently go to the US and Europe. The versatile Tahitian lime could create new opportunities in this market.