United States Lime Market Size
Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 2.42 Billion |
Market Size (2029) | USD 2.92 Billion |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 3.80 % |
United States Lime Market Analysis
The United States Lime Market size is estimated at USD 2.42 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.92 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.80% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Limes, small green citrus fruits, thrive in warm climates. Depending on the variety, limes can range from sweet to sour. In U.S. grocery stores, the predominant variety is the Persian lime, with the majority being imported from Mexico. Conversely, sweet limes are a rarity in the U.S. market, primarily due to the dominant importation of Persian limes, celebrated for their numerous health benefits. Following the recent pandemic, there has been a notable shift towards incorporating healthier foods into diets, with lime being a significant addition. This trend has propelled the lime market in recent years and is poised to sustain its momentum during the forecast period.
- In certain regions of the United States, adverse weather conditions can hinder the growth of lime plants. Arizona, California, and Florida stand out as the primary lime-producing states in the U.S. The demand for limes in the U.S. has surged, driven by their nutritional benefits and applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The U.S. heavily relies on imports from Mexico, Colombia, and Peru to meet its lime needs. Prices for imported limes in the U.S. consistently rose throughout 2021 and 2022, peaking at USD 76.33 per package in 2023, marking the highest price in the past three years. This 2023 price reflects a significant jump of 70.9% from the 2022 peak of USD 44.67 and a staggering 167.1% increase from the 2021 high of USD 28.58, underscoring persistent disruptions in the Mexican supply chain. These supply inconsistencies from Mexico can be attributed to factors like aging trees and diseases in nursery stock.
United States Lime Market Trends
Health Benefits to Increase the Lime Consumption
- Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may offer health benefits. Consuming limes or their juice can bolster immunity, mitigate heart disease risk factors, deter kidney stones, enhance iron absorption, and foster healthy skin. Additionally, hydrating with lime-infused water may assist in weight management, bolster skin health, and further deter kidney stones. This is largely attributed to the high vitamin C and antioxidant content in limes, which plays a pivotal role in promoting overall skin health. Health benefits, nutritional value, and cosmetic uses are the main reasons for increased consumption. The most popular lime varieties in the country are Persian limes.
- According to USDA, the per capita lime consumption increased from 4.1 pounds in 2021 to 4.9 pounds in 2023, an increase of more than 50% since the last decade. This was due to the rise in the per capita lime availability and processing industry usage. As lemons and limes can be versatile elements in many recipes, the lime industry benefited from the boom in retail demand with increasing consumption.
Mexico is the Major Lime Supplier to the United States
- Mexico stands as the world's second-largest producer of limes, with this citrus fruit being the country's second-most cultivated crop. Throughout the recent pandemic, the U.S. has shown a consistent demand for limes, ensuring stable trade dynamics. Moreover, several key producers and exporters strategically held stocks to counterbalance potential production dips caused by drought conditions. In 2023, U.S. imports of lemons and limes reached 0.88 million metric tons, valued at USD 1.0 million. The U.S. lime market's heavy dependence on imports stems from the nation's limited agro-climatic zones, which curtail domestic production. Mexico emerged as the dominant supplier, accounting for roughly 78.1% of total lime imports, trailed by Argentina at 8.4%, Colombia at 5.7%, and Chile at 4.7%.
- Data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights a notable increase in US imports of all lime varieties over the last decade. Starting at 313 thousand metric tons in 2010, imports climbed to 885 thousand metric tons in 2023, accounting for over 99% of all limes sold in the US. This increase is linked to a rise in lime consumption across multiple sectors, bolstered by strong demand from retail. Given these trends, the market is set for further expansion in the coming years, with growth anticipated throughout the forecast period.
United States Lime Market News
- September 2023: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced updated lime price reporting methods. This revision aims to provide more accurate market price information by categorizing limes according to their appearance and quality. The new system incorporates terms such as Fine Appearance (US Grade #1) and Fair Appearance (US Grade #Combination). This change addresses previous inconsistencies in pricing, where similar-sized limes could have price differences of up to USD 40.
- August 2022: Chicago-based Hazel Technologies Inc. slowed the yellowing process of limes for lime growers and wholesalers across the United States. Collaborators such as Pharr, Texas-based produce shipper London Fruit Inc., and Pittsburg, Kan.-based produce wholesaler Martinous Produce Co. are seeing extended freshness in their limes with Hazel Tech's flagship technology, Hazel 100, according to the release.
United States Lime Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 The growing awareness of the health benefits of Lime
4.2.2 Favorable Government Initiatives to reduce import dependance
4.2.3 Increasing Demand for Lime-Based Beverages
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Price Fluctuations
4.3.2 Weather Conditions and Natural Disasters
4.4 Value Chain Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 United States
5.1.1 Production Analysis
5.1.2 Consumption Analysis and Market Value
5.1.3 Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value)
5.1.4 Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value)
5.1.5 Price Trend Analysis
6. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
United States Lime Industry Segmentation
Lime is a small, lemon-shaped, greenish-yellow citrus fruit with a juicy, sour pulp, rich in ascorbic acid. It is primarily used for food and cosmetics. The study takes into account commercial lime fruit as a commodity.
The United States lime market covers production (volume), consumption (volume and value), import (volume and value), export (volume and value), and price trend analysis.
The report offers market size and forecasts in terms of value in USD and volume in metric tons for all the above segments.
United States | |
Production Analysis | |
Consumption Analysis and Market Value | |
Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
Price Trend Analysis |
United States Lime Market Research FAQs
How big is the United States Lime Market?
The United States Lime Market size is expected to reach USD 2.42 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.80% to reach USD 2.92 billion by 2029.
What is the current United States Lime Market size?
In 2024, the United States Lime Market size is expected to reach USD 2.42 billion.
What years does this United States Lime Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the United States Lime Market size was estimated at USD 2.33 billion. The report covers the United States Lime Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the United States Lime Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
United States Lime Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 United States Lime market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. United States Lime analysis includes a market forecast outlook to for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.