Colombia could provide Tahiti lime to the USA

Currently, Colombia has the opportunity to export Tahiti lime to the United States because of the high prices of this fruit in Mexico, the main supplier of this product in the US market. Additionally, the low offer of this product in the first four months of each year enhance Colombia's opportunities to export this fruit.

According to the president of ProColombia, Maria Claudia Lacouture, "Colombian fruits have tariff benefits because of the free trade agreement with the United States. Entrepreneurs can export Tahiti lime without paying tariffs. This citrus fruit is the main ingredient in cocktails such as margaritas, which is widely consumed in that market."

According to ProColombia, this export opportunity can benefit producers from Santander, Tolima, Atlántico, Norte de Santander, Caldas, Valle, Antioquia, Bolivar, and Cesar.

This is a great opportunity for Colombian producers to gain more space in the North American market. Colombia has the option to continue increasing sales of this fruit. In 2014 the country sold 14 times more lime to the United States than in 2012 (after the FTA). Exports increased from $306,143 to $4.5 million dollars, according to data from the Dane.

It is worth noting that the United States is the largest consumer of Colombian Tahiti lime. The US accounts for 51% of total exports of this fruit made by Colombia in 2014 (US $ 8.9 million). The Tahiti Lime is used in the preparation of cocktails, ceviches, dressings, guacamole and other typical Mexican food.

Source: Colprensa