Tahiti lime prices surge in Brazil due to off-season shortages

Prices for Tahiti limes in Brazil have surged significantly due to the off-season period and adverse weather conditions. Data from the National Supply Company (Conab) indicates that in the São Paulo citrus belt, which accounts for 80% of national production, the average price paid to producers rose from R$ 32.10 per 27.2 kg box in June to R$ 104.78 in August, representing a 226.4% increase.

Wholesale prices have seen even sharper spikes. At Ceagesp in São Paulo, the price per kilogram rose from R$ 1.82 in May to R$ 8.62 at the end of September, a 374% increase. Similarly, CeasaMinas in Belo Horizonte reported a 240% rise, with prices moving from R$ 2.50 to R$ 8.50 per kilogram.

Researchers from Cepea/Esalq attribute the volatility to excessive rainfall earlier in the year, which damaged flowering and affected both the quantity and commercial quality of the fruit. Market stabilization is expected toward the end of the year as the new harvest begins to reach the market.