North America Lime Market Analysis
The North America Lime Market size is estimated at USD 4.57 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 5.48 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.70% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Lemon and lime are primarily cultivated for the fresh market, with lime juice serving as a flavoring in foods and beverages. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mexico is the largest lime producer in North America, while the United States and Canada are the major consumers.
- Mexico, the globe's second-largest producer of limes, boasts continuous production and exportation throughout the year. In Mexico, limes rank as the second most planted citrus crop, trailing only behind oranges. Twenty-three Mexican states cultivate Persian limes, with the southern states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, Jalisco, Yucatan, and Tabasco producing the largest volumes. In 2023, Mexico accounted for 14.4% of global lime production, with an average yield of 15,253 kg per hectare, as reported by FAO.
- The United States is the primary consumer in the North American lime market. Over the past two decades, the USDA has reported a doubling of retail per capita availability of lemons, reaching 4.7 pounds by 2023. The increasing Hispanic population in the United States, along with the widespread popularity of lime-based cocktails and beverages, has significantly contributed to the rise in lime consumption.
- In North American countries, lime is utilized as an ingredient in the production of citric acid, lime oil, lime juice, and other products used in household food items and chores. Many small-scale farmers sell their lime to processing companies that extract the juice and produce other lime-based products. Beyond culinary and cleaning applications, lime is also used in various industries such as paper, textiles, and construction materials. The growing demand for these products is increasing the demand for lime, with the rising interest in health benefits and cleaning applications serving as a major driver for the market.
North America Lime Market Trends
Rising Lime Import Signifies the Market Growth
Lime ranks as the second most significant citrus fruit in North America, following oranges. Due to its transportability over long distances, regional countries compete to meet their domestic demand. The increasing lime consumption coupled with limited local production is expected to drive up lime import values during the forecast period.
The United States is the primary importer of limes in North America, accounting for 87.1% of the region's total lime imports in 2023. According to ITC Trade Map data, the United States imported 0.88 million metric tons of lemons and limes, valued at USD 1,087 million. Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and other countries are the main lime exporters to the United States by volume. Mexico's significant market share is attributed to its geographic proximity, economic ties, and agricultural advantages. As the demand for limes in food preparation and beverages within the United States continues to grow, the import value is expected to increase in the coming years.
Canada's lime import trend aligns with that of the United States, though on a smaller scale. In 2023, lime imports in Canada reached 111,971 metric tons, with major exporting countries being the United States and South Africa. Canadian consumers are expanding their culinary horizons, resulting in increased purchases of fresh limes. The rising interest in organic and locally sourced foods has enhanced the availability and consumption of limes in Canadian markets. As consumers seek fresh ingredients for home cooking, limes are increasingly incorporated into recipes that prioritize health and flavor. Hence, the rising imports from various countries, are significantly driving the growth of the lime market in North America.
Mexico Leads in North America Lime Production
Mexico is the world's leading lime producer, significantly contributing to the global supply. According to FAO data, the country's lime production increased from approximately 2.9 million metric tons in 2021 to 3.2 million metric tons in 2023, showing robust growth. However, a large portion of this production is directed towards meeting domestic demand rather than export markets.
Fresh limes have become increasingly important in everyday Mexican diets, with consumers recognizing their versatility and health benefits. USDA data indicates significant growth in lime consumption in Mexico, reaching 1.72 million metric tons in 2023. This increased demand is attributed to the rising popularity of lime-infused cocktails and beverages, as well as an increase in home cooking activities. The Lime Analysis Index survey supports this trend, revealing that one-third of consumers purchased limes in 2023, highlighting the fruit's widespread adoption in the country.
Persian limes are the most popular variety in Mexico, and the country is one of the world's largest producers of this type. Mexico supplies a significant portion of Persian lime imports to the United States, a trend expected to continue steadily, influencing the overall lime market.
North America Lime Market News
- April 2024: Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has developed new citrus varieties, UF Sunlime and UF Redlime, adapted to the Florida environment. These varieties demonstrate resistance to Huanglongbing (HLB) and other diseases.
- March 2024: Mexico deployed 660 soldiers and militarized national guard officers to the western state of Michoacan. This action was taken in response to lime growers' complaints about extortion demands from cartels. The troops are providing security measures in key lime-producing areas, including Apatzingan, Aguililla, and Buenavista. Their duties involve visiting packinghouses, escorting trucks transporting limes, and ensuring security at wholesale markets.
- August 2022: Hazel Technologies Inc. launched Hazel 100, a solution designed to prolong the shelf life of limes. This innovation decelerates the yellowing process of limes, benefiting lime growers and wholesalers throughout the United States. The company partnered with London Fruit, a produce shipper based in Pharr, Texas, and Martinous Produce Company, a produce wholesaler located in Pittsburg, Kansas, to enhance the longevity of their limes using Hazel 100.
