W48: Lemon & Lime Weekly Update

Published 2022년 12월 9일

United States

American Lemon Harvest Is Delayed in W47 (Nov 28)

During W47, the United States harvest of lemons for export to Asian countries was delayed by 2 to 3 weeks due to the lack of color and size of lemons. Export loads are forecasted for W50 or by the end of December, while originally exports were expected by W48. The price for lemons in the American market is the following:

Size Price/weight

Fancy-size 95's USD 34/40 lbs box
Fancy-size 115's USD 33/40 lbs box
Fancy-size 140's USD 30.50/40 lbs box

Brazil

Tahiti Price Drops in Brazil (Nov 28)

Although the values of Tahiti acid lime are still at high levels, they have dropped significantly in recent days, according to data from Cepea. In this week's batch (from Monday to Thursday), the variety has an average of USD 13.13/27kg box BRL 68.61/27kg box), harvested, a decrease of 16.07% compared to the previous one. According to data from the Cepea newsletter, this low scenario was already expected by agents consulted by Cepea, considering that the return of rains since the end of September has favored the development of the fruit. However, it is worth remembering that the supply from Tahiti is below normal for this season – there was a concentration of production in the first half, limiting productivity in the second half of 2022.

Tahiti Has a Strong Devaluation in November (Nov 28)

Tahiti lime prices, despite remaining at high levels, fell sharply in the second half of November 2022. This devaluation scenario was already expected by agents consulted by Hortifruti/Cepea, considering that, with the return of rains since the end of September, the development of the fruit was favored. For W47 (11/21 to 25/11), the variety has an average of USD 12.87/box of 27 kg (BRL 67.26/box of 27 kg), harvested, a decrease of 17.73% in comparison with W46, and a devaluation of 27% (a little more than 24 Reais/box) compared to the first week of the month. In the case of oranges, prices remained virtually stable for another week. However, agents consulted by Hortifruti/Cepea believe demand is rising.

Prices for Fresh Tahiti Limes Are Declining in W47 in the European Market as a Result of Low Demand (Nov 29)

Prices for fresh Tahiti limes are decreasing on the EU market as sales slow down. The average price in W46 was USD 9.32-10.35/4.5kg box. The dynamic was different in W47 since many importers cut their prices in response to weak market demand. In France, due to the limited supply of Brazilian limes, importers chose to try other origins, such as Honduras and Guatemala, but the French market's response was unsatisfactory. The demand for those origins was lower than expected, putting pressure on the market. Meanwhile, in Spain, Brazilian Tahiti lime prices in W47 ranged between USD 8.28-9.32/4.5kg box as more limes were shipped from Brazil to the EU. For W48, buyers expect prices to reach USD 7.25- 8.28/4.5kg depending on the size and quality.

With Slow Sales, Prices Remain Stable (Dec 2)

Cepea collaborators indicate that, despite the beginning of the month, the World Cup games and competition with seasonal fruits (stone fruits, mainly) are restricting sales. Tahiti acid lime, in turn, continues with falling prices. The supply is gradually increasing, and the quality of the fruit is considered to be less than ideal. In part of the week, Tahiti has an average of USD 9.32/box of 27 kg (BRL 48.68/box of 27 kg), harvested, down 27.62% compared to W47.

Uzbekistan

Export of Lemons Decreased by 362 Tons in 10 Months (Dec 2)

The export of lemons from Uzbekistan has decreased. According to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in January-October 2022, the country exported 3.3K tons of lemons to 8 countries for a total of USD 3.6M. Lemon exports decreased by 362 tons compared to 2021. Countries to which Uzbekistan exported the most lemons in 10 months of 2022: