Market Trends of United States Lime Industry
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.
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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.
