Brazil is one of the largest producers and exporters of limes, with the Tahiti variety accounting for 97% of total production. The industry is primarily driven by small and medium-sized farms, with about 80% of properties under 25 hectares.
Tahiti limes are a hybrid between Persian lime and bitter lemon. They are seedless, with thick green skin, and retain a green peel throughout their shelf life, which is valued in export markets. Other lime varieties, such as Sicilian lemon and Finger Lime, represent only niche volumes in Brazil.
Lime trees reach peak productivity at around five years of age. Harvesting runs from November to March/April, with medium volumes from March to June and lower volumes between July and November. Production complements Mexico's supply, giving Brazil a year-round presence in international markets.
According to Cepea, the 2024/25 season saw reduced volumes due to weather disruptions, impacting availability in the first half of 2025. The processing industry also extended operations into early May, which limited spot market supply in June.
Brazil's harvested area expanded from 46,036 hectares in 2013 to 66,687 hectares in 2023, a 45% increase. Production rose 47% during the same period, from 1.16 million metric tons (MMT) to 1.72 MMT. Yields rose to 28 tons per hectare in 2018 but have since plateaued at 26 tons per hectare nationally. Regional differences remain, with São Paulo reaching 40 tons per hectare in 2025. Production is concentrated in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, which together represent over 90% of total output.
In April 2025, Brazil signed a bilateral agreement with India granting access for Tahiti lime, Sicilian lemon, orange, tangerine, and related citrus. Abrafrutas and Apex continue to promote exports through the "Fruits of Brazil" project.
Prices increased during the first half of 2025 due to limited supply. In the first quarter, the average price was US$4.50 per 27-kg box, up 55% year-on-year. In June, average prices reached US$6.97 per box, reflecting constrained volumes. Demand from the European summer further supported prices.
In 2024, Brazil exported 175,821 MT of Tahiti limes, a record. In January 2025, exports reached 17,150 MT, 18.1% higher than in January 2024, generating US$14.8 million. In the first half of 2025, exports totaled 106,655 MT, up 18.2% year-on-year, ranking limes as the country's second most exported fruit.
The European Union remains the primary market, accounting for 76–80% of exports. The Netherlands is the largest importer, with volumes rising from 77,889 MT in MY 2019/20 to 136,338 MT in MY 2023/24. The UK also increased imports by 57% in the same period, while Chile has recently emerged as a growth market.
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