W9 Lemon and Lime Update: Global Lemon/Lime Production Set to Rise in 2023/24 Season, Brazilian Tahiti Lime Prices Surged Due to Limited Supply

Published 2024년 3월 8일

In W9 in the lemon and lime landscape, global lemon/lime production for the 2023/24 season is forecasted to rise by 225 thousand mt to 10 mmt, with increases in the EU, South Africa, and Turkey offsetting declines in Mexico and the US due to citrus greening disease and unfavorable weather. Brazil's orange prices continued to climb in W9 due to limited supply, while Tahiti acid lime prices surged following controlled supply amidst recent rains, reaching USD 5.28 per 27-kg box. Peru saw significant growth in Tahiti lime exports in 2023, with shipments expected to rise further, primarily to the US, Chile, Canada, and England, driven by increased plantings and future production expectations.

Global Lemon/Lime Production Expected to Rise in 2023/24 Season

Global lemon/lime production for the 2023/24 season is projected to increase by 225 thousand metric tons (mt) to 10 million metric tons (mmt), with gains in the European Union (EU), South Africa, and Turkey offsetting decreases in Mexico and the United States (US). Mexico's output is expected to decline by 5% year-on-year (YoY) due to citrus greening disease, while Turkey is anticipated to achieve a record output. Spain and the EU are also forecasted to reach record harvests, while unfavorable weather in California will lead to reduced US production. South Africa is expected to see a 10% increase in output, with Argentina and Chile also experiencing production upticks.

Tahiti Acid Lime Prices Surged in Brazil During W9

In W9, Brazilian orange prices continued their upward trend due to limited supply, compounded by heightened fruit consumption amid high temperatures. Tahiti acid lime prices surged due to controlled supply following recent rains. The price for a 27-kilogram (kg) box of harvested Tahiti acid lime reached USD 5.28, reflecting a significant 14.6% increase week-on-week (WoW).

Peru Saw Surge in Tahiti Lime Exports, Expected Continued Growth

In Peru, Tahiti lime exports reached nearly 30 thousand mt in 2023, showing significant growth compared to previous years, according to the general manager of the Association of Citrus Producers of Peru (Procitrus). Exports are expected to continue increasing, with shipments primarily going to the US, Chile, Canada, and England. Despite approximately 800 hectares (ha) of Tahiti lime planted in the country over the last two to three years, production has yet to commence, fueling expectations for further growth in the future.