Lime market dynamics vary significantly across global regions as demand, supply, and pricing fluctuate in early 2025. In North America, food service demand is rising, driven by seasonal events, while larger fruit sizes are becoming scarce, and potential U.S. tariffs on Mexican limes add uncertainty. In Europe, supply chain disruptions and lower average fruit quality—particularly from Brazil—have made this one of the most challenging periods for the lime trade in recent memory.
In Italy, domestic production is increasing but remains insufficient, with imports still necessary and prices around €1.45/kg; quality and color continue to heavily influence consumer preferences. The Netherlands is grappling with oversupply and low-quality Brazilian imports, leading to downward price pressure.
© Viola van den Hoven-Katsman | FP.com
Germany is seeing increased demand and slightly higher prices, though quality issues persist, with yellowing fruit often selling at open price or €2–3 per box. France is struggling with weak demand and excessive stock, with current selling prices failing to cover import costs.
Spain's lime supply remains abundant and stable, with the potential for increased Mexican volumes should U.S. tariffs be imposed. In South Africa, limes remain unpopular compared to lemons, with prices ranging from €0.25 to €0.90/kg, and the lack of consumer awareness limits market growth despite local production efforts.
North America: Demand climbs as supply dynamics shift
Following a slow January and February, foodservice demand for limes in North America has increased over the past week, while retail demand has remained steady and has been gradually rising since the beginning of 2025. This growth is partly attributed to higher restaurant sales driven by events such as Saint Patrick's Day, the NCAA tournament, and preparations for Easter.
On the supply side, larger lime sizes are becoming less available—a trend expected to continue through the end of next week. Smaller sizes, such as 230s and 250s, remain more readily available.
From Peru, small fruit quality has been average. Larger fruit is lighter in color, and pricing has remained relatively stable. Colombian limes continue to show good quality with stable pricing. Although seasonal rains have increased blanching, this is expected to ease in the next two to three weeks as pruning schedules begin.
In Mexico, larger sizes have become more available this week, with fair quality reported. Pricing is beginning to rise. The country also awaits further information on a potential 25 percent tariff on limes imported into the U.S.
Europe: Lime supply strained by quality and shipping issues
Brazil remains the primary lime supplier to Europe, currently providing between 80–90% of the market. The remainder is supplied by Peru, Vietnam, and occasional shipments from Central America and Colombia.
According to a European importer, this has been one of the most challenging periods for the lime sector in recent memory. "The industry is by nature very volatile, but typically the ups and downs are manageable because when one region faces issues, others can step up. However, over the past four to five months, we have seen a combination of low average quality and poor service from shipping lines and ports."
The quality concerns are primarily related to low colour, attributed to last year's droughts, followed by excessive rainfall in some areas. This has resulted in a higher incidence of progressive defects upon arrival. These challenges are affecting all growers, although improvements are expected as new crops become available. The situation is particularly problematic given that this period is typically considered a strong export window for Brazil.
Shipping disruptions have been the dominant issue. Responsibility is being debated between departure and arrival ports, as well as among the shipping lines themselves. For growers and importers, the financial losses have been significant. Many are now operating under the assumption that each vessel will be delayed by at least one week, with some containers arriving two weeks late or even taking up to two months. These delays have had a substantial impact on product quality, especially in a year where fruit is already below ideal standards.
Port congestion continues to exacerbate the issue. London Gateway is regularly skipped due to capacity issues, which affects supply into the UK. Rotterdam is also facing serious problems, as the same vessels repeatedly bypass scheduled ports, further disrupting the supply chain.
January and February mark the low consumption period for limes in the EU and the UK. Demand may begin to rise in March, though this is largely dependent on weather conditions. Typically, consumption increases in April, but this can be delayed in some years.
In recent weeks, market conditions across Europe have remained difficult. Delayed arrivals and lower average fruit color have continued to weigh heavily on market performance.
Italy: Balancing production and imports
In Europe, and particularly in Italy, local lime production is on the rise—especially in southern regions such as Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily—thanks to favourable climatic conditions. However, domestic supply remains insufficient to meet market demand, making imports, primarily from Mexico and Brazil, necessary.
Price trends in the lime market are characterised by fluctuations. During the winter months, the average selling price is around €1.45/kg, according to a wholesaler from southern Italy. Consumers show a preference for dark green limes and are willing to pay a premium for this quality. Competitive pricing and deep green colouring are essential to maintaining sales, as less visually appealing fruit tends to see a sharp price drop. Nonetheless, in summer, when demand rises, even less aesthetically perfect citrus can find a market. Lime consumption peaks in spring and summer, particularly in Italy, where warmer weather supports the popularity of cocktails and international cuisine. Interest in organic limes is also increasing, driven by growing awareness of sustainability.
"After months of low prices for Brazilian limes, top-quality fruit is now achieving slightly better returns. Small sizes, such as size 60, previously struggled despite being adequate in quality. Now, if the product is good, it can command €1.00–1.50 more," says a wholesaler from northern Italy. "The market for larger sizes has also improved slightly. This positive trend is expected to continue over the next four to five weeks. We are currently in the peak production phase for Brazilian limes, so in about a month, shipment volumes should decrease. Combined with rising temperatures in Italy, this should support a price increase. Supply and demand are expected to align."
According to the same source, other origins are currently present on the market, such as Colombia, but the quality of that product is considered poor.
Netherlands: Struggling with oversupply and price pressure
The lime market has faced significant challenges over the past two months. "Excessive volumes from Brazil, particularly limes from the southern regions with mediocre to poor quality, have created substantial downward pressure on prices. Additionally, unfavourable weather in southern Europe has done little to improve the situation," explained a Dutch importer.
"For the coming period, Brazil still has sufficient lime stocks available. Hopefully, domestic demand in Brazil will increase, which would reduce export volumes. To break the current deadlock, it is essential that volumes decrease."
Germany: Lime market sees uncertainty and quality issues
Volumes from Brazil are approximately 30 percent higher compared to last year. As of last week, demand is increasing—likely influenced by favourable weather conditions in northern Europe. Prices have also begun to rise, but the situation remains uncertain, as market dynamics are closely tied to temperature, while suppliers have already anticipated demand and shipped higher volumes.
At the same time, the market is flooded with low-quality fruit—yellowish and decayed limes are widespread. Much of this product is being sold at open price or between €2–3 per box. "Our last container arrived in good condition; however, some pallets have mould on the stems and minor defects, which we are working to avoid," an importer notes.
France: Challenges persist amid weak demand
Currently, the majority of limes on the French market come from Brazil, France's largest supplier. However, there are also shipments arriving from Panama and Mexico, the second-largest exporters to France. While importers are hopeful for a shift in the market due to increasing demand, conditions have remained difficult over the past month and a half.
The volumes arriving are exceptionally high, with multiple shipments overlapping and leading to stock accumulation amid sluggish demand. As a result, incoming volumes significantly exceed outgoing ones, and current selling prices do not cover import costs.
Spain: Lime imports steady amid strong supply and stable demand
Spain is currently importing limes from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. Thus far in the year, supply has been abundant. Demand for limes typically remains low during the initial months of the year, which contributes to relatively stable prices.
While there have been some logistical issues affecting shipments from Brazil, these disruptions are considered temporary and are not significantly impacting trade.
According to a leading Spanish importer, if tariffs on Mexican limes are ultimately imposed in the United States, Mexico may redirect additional volumes to Europe. This shift could present a valuable opportunity to increase Mexican lime imports during the summer months.
South Africa: Limes struggle in South Africa's citrus market
Unlike other parts of the world, South Africans have yet to embrace limes, consistently favouring lemons in almost all applications. Lime orchards make up just 0.6% of the country's total lemon-growing area.
A 750g cardboard punnet of green limes, produced by a leading grower in Citrusdal, was recently sold for €0.50 at greengrocers in Gauteng. At the region's main municipal markets, limes are sold for anywhere between €0.76/kg and as little as €0.25/kg. At the Johannesburg market, prices currently range from €0.90/kg to €0.25/kg, depending on the packaging and the condition of the fruit. Yellow limes, in particular, fetch the lowest prices.
"Consumers just won't buy yellow limes," says a trader with three decades of experience handling the category. "Limes remain a challenge. They're incredibly popular in the USA and widely used in drinks, but South Africans simply haven't taken to them."
ANInBev invested just under €940,000 in establishing the largest lime farm in South Africa, located in Limpopo, to supply locally grown limes for their Corona Mexican beer. However, the company noted that consumers were instead drinking it with lemons.
"When there's a lime shortage, some restaurants insist on having them, and prices can spike to €2.54 or even €4.06 per kilogram," says a market agent. "But the moment more limes arrive on the market, prices drop sharply—€0.50, even €0.25. There's a major issue with the physical marketing of limes. Apart from top-tier restaurants, bars with cocktail menus, and informed home cooks, no one has launched a proper marketing campaign for limes, which is unfortunate. People don't understand limes—they think it's just a small lemon."
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