Italy has seen lime demand rise with the summer season, driven by the beverage sector and a tightening supply. Prices, which had been stagnant, are now climbing, with wholesale rates reaching €10–14 depending on the sales channel. In Spain, imports are still led by Brazil, though weather conditions have affected quality more than availability. Prices have started to recover with seasonal demand but remain lower than usual for this time of year.
The Dutch market has stabilized after an earlier oversupply, which had disrupted pricing. A drop in Brazilian shipments, combined with strong summer weather, is now supporting price recovery. German prices began to rise in July after a difficult first half of the year, reaching €9 in week 28 and are expected to hit €10 in week 29. Despite strong seasonal demand, moderate product rotation and continued supply growth have tempered the increase.
Belgium is also experiencing price recovery following a prolonged period of oversupply. Lower volumes and solid summer demand are helping to lift the market. In France, lime volumes have normalized after an oversupply earlier this year led to unsustainably low prices. With steady arrivals and strong seasonal demand, the market has now stabilized, and prices are rising. In the U.S., lime prices remain under pressure due to continued high volumes from Mexico, with expectations that they will hold steady or decrease slightly. Demand has softened after the Fourth of July holiday, while recent rains in Mexico may impact quality.
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Colombia's Tahiti lime exports reached €44.1 million in the first four months of 2025, growing 8.8% year-on-year. The United States remains the dominant buyer, although high logistics costs and certification hurdles restrict further growth in Europe. Peru has boosted its Tahiti lime exports by around 30% this season, capitalizing on limited supply from other origins. While FOB prices have stayed stable, the sector faces ongoing challenges from port delays and added cold chain expenses.
Italy: Summer demand drives recovery in European market
Annual lime consumption has now stabilized, with a seasonal peak during summer mainly driven by the beverage sector. An entrepreneur from the Marche region, specializing in the import and distribution of exotic and off-season products, explains: "Limes are consumed year-round, but it's the summer season that boosts sales thanks to the mixology channel. Unlike pineapples or mangoes, limes don't benefit from holiday season spikes." The European supply is currently dominated by Brazil, with smaller volumes coming from Colombia, Peru, Vietnam, and some production from the Mediterranean basin (Spain, Egypt, and Italy). However, Brazilian origin suffers from climate instability: "Alternating periods of rain and drought affect availability and directly impact quality and size. Peru is on the rise, but still limited by small calibres, which are not well-suited to the European market."
On the logistics side, like other exotic fruits, limes are affected by shipping delays, a shortage of refrigerated space, and irregular supply flows. The entrepreneur adds: "Most volumes arrive through Dutch ports and right now, the Northern European market is particularly strong, with wholesale prices reaching €9–10 for a 4.5 kg crate." One of the critical issues remains the market's perception of quality. "Italian consumers, and many buyers as well, demand a bright green product, even though that's not necessarily a sign of quality. In producing countries, limes are consumed when they're light yellow, more mature, and juicier. But here, if they're not green, they get rejected." In the short to medium term, expectations for limes remain steady, with potential for price increases. "The hot summer is supporting consumption, and supply is not excessive."
A wholesaler from Northern Italy reports that after a long, stagnant period, the European lime market is now showing real signs of recovery. Prices, which hovered between €6 and €8 throughout June, with fluctuations mainly tied to size and quality of the Brazilian product, are now clearly rising. "Starting this weekend, we'll definitely be selling above €10, and over the next few weeks we're looking at levels close to €11 or even higher. With lower volumes arriving in Europe, persistent heat, and strong summer demand from bars, venues, and beach establishments, the market has finally unlocked." The current purchase price is around €8.50, while selling prices, depending on the channel (wholesale, retail, or foodservice), can range from €10 to €14. This price range finally brings limes back to sustainable levels for operators, after months of narrow margins and intense competitive pressure.
Spain: Demand lifts lime prices, though below seasonal norms
Spain is currently importing limes mainly from Brazil, although limes from Mexico, Peru, and Colombia are also present on the market. Weather remains a key factor in production, affecting both the availability and quality of the fruit. While the market has not experienced major shortages, the impact of weather events, such as droughts or excessive rainfall, has been evident at certain times of the year, particularly in terms of product quality.
"Regarding logistics, although we continue to experience delays on some vessels, the situation is much less problematic than last year, both in terms of the number and duration of delays. Therefore, logistics are smoother compared to previous years," says a Spanish importer.
Demand has increased, as is typical during the summer season. "After a first half of the year with prices below the historical average, we have seen a recovery in recent weeks. However, this improvement has been less than expected, so although prices have rebounded, they are still below the usual levels for this time of year," the importer notes.
Netherlands: Lime market stabilizes after early oversupply
"After a challenging period during which the European market was flooded with an oversupply of limes, the situation has now stabilized," says a Dutch importer. "In the early months of the year, high volumes, particularly from Brazil, put significant pressure on prices and disrupted market equilibrium. In recent weeks, however, we've seen a clear turning point. A temporary reduction in shipments from Brazil has brought supply and demand back into better balance. At the same time, the sunny summer weather across much of Europe is driving strong consumer demand, which is supporting price recovery."
"Nonetheless, caution remains necessary. In the past two weeks, substantial volumes of limes have once again been shipped, partly due to weakening domestic demand in Brazil. This means that the European market can expect ample availability in the coming weeks. The hope is that demand remains firm, and the market can absorb these volumes effectively, especially with Spanish limes entering the market soon," the importer concludes.
Germany: Lime prices rise despite moderate demand
After six months of struggle, prices have started to increase with the arrival of summer, reaching €9.00 during week 28 and are expected to rise to €10.00 in week 29. Demand is strong, though not as high as traders had anticipated for the season. Product rotation is good, but moderate demand presents challenges in pushing prices further upward. The market has shown positive development since the beginning of July.
Although supply has remained high nearly every week this year, with overall volumes up 30% compared to the previous year, the current cold temperatures in Brazil are affecting fruit quality and reducing export volumes to Germany. Most exporters are now declining to load containers for new customers and are sticking to existing programs. "We expect the prices to increase, even while demand is not the strongest," a trader notes.
Belgium: Market correction brings relief after months of low prices
"Limes are escaping the difficulties faced by other exotic fruits. Volumes have dropped noticeably after a long period of oversupply," says a Belgian trader. "In addition, with the current good weather, demand is strong, making limes one of the few products where supply is relatively low and prices are rising steadily. People are going out to terraces, and lime is commonly used during the summer."
"Of course, we are coming from a long stretch of prices that were too low, so this turnaround was necessary."
France: Lime market rebounds
Brazil remains the dominant supplier on the French lime market, alongside Mexico and smaller volumes from Thailand. In the early months of 2025, overlapping shipments led to excessive volumes and stock accumulation, while sluggish demand pushed selling prices below import costs.
The situation has since improved. Current arrivals are more balanced, and strong summer demand has boosted sales, supporting a recovery in prices.
North America: Stable supply and weaker demand weigh on U.S. lime prices
Plentiful lime supply continues to put pressure on prices in the North American market. Mexican lime pricing is expected to remain stable or possibly decline slightly, following a strong supply volume. According to USDA data, more than 700 truckloads crossed through Texas, Arizona, and California last week, with similarly high crossings anticipated this week.
In key growing regions like Veracruz, recent rains have accelerated fruit development after at least three years of drought. Most of the current crop consists of small sizes, though the supply is gradually shifting toward small-to-medium calibers.
August marks a transitional period in the lime season, with older crop still being shipped and new crop expected to begin in September. The increased rainfall is expected to trigger quality issues earlier than usual.
Demand remains soft, particularly after the U.S. Fourth of July holiday. Retailers may begin preparing promotions closer to August 20 in advance of Labor Day. Overall, lime consumption is forecast to remain flat or decline, which would keep prices stable or slightly lower. Colombia continues to supply fruit, especially to markets in Florida and the U.S. Northeast, while aiming to expand its market share.
Colombia: Colombian Tahiti lime exports grow despite trade hurdles
In 2025, Colombia continues to expand its position as a Tahiti lime exporter, reaching €44.1 million in sales between January and April, an increase of 8.8% compared to the same period in 2024. The United States remains the primary destination, accounting for 80% of shipments, followed by the Netherlands and Puerto Rico.
Colombia's cultivated area now exceeds 50,000 hectares, with the Santander region leading national production. Demand from the U.S. organic market supports higher prices, although competition from Brazil and the high cost of certification constrain further growth in European markets.
Key challenges include the imposition of new U.S. tariffs, elevated logistics costs, and the need to maintain quality and sustainability standards. To strengthen its international position, Colombia is aiming to enter new markets such as China, while investing in technology, traceability, and public-private partnerships.
Peru: Strong export growth despite challenges
Peruvian Tahiti lime exports have risen by approximately 30% compared to the previous season. This increase is attributed to Peru capitalizing on specific market windows, particularly during periods of lower availability from major suppliers like Mexico and Brazil. Europe remains the primary destination, receiving 53% of Peru's lime exports, followed by the United States and Latin American markets.
FOB prices have remained stable, ranging between €0.82 and €1.00 per kilogram. Despite this positive performance, the sector continues to face logistical challenges, including port delays and additional charges for refrigerated containers during peak shipping periods.
In addition to fresh fruit exports, Peru also ships over 10,000 tons of Tahiti limes in the form of juice and industrial by-products.
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