Historically low prices for Colombian Tahiti limes amid oversupply from Mexico and Brazil

On Jul 24, 2026

The market for Colombian Tahiti limes is experiencing one of its most volatile periods in recent years, according to Óscar Portilla, a representative of De Los Ángeles Produce, an export company based in Santander, Colombia.

Portilla reports that from February to May, the sector saw a very strong season in the United States, with prices reaching $60 per 40-pound box. Since then, prices have dropped sharply. “Now prices are at an all-time low,” the exporter states.

According to Portilla, the main cause of this slump is increased volume from Mexico, Colombia’s main competitor in the U.S., and from Brazil, its rival in the European market. Both countries are recording large harvests, leading to an overall oversupply. In fact, Mexico is currently exporting about a thousand containers a week to the U.S. market.

In addition to supply pressures, there is a foreign exchange issue. According to Portilla, the Colombian peso’s recent revaluation against the dollar, driven by higher oil prices amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, is raising production costs in dollars and reducing the competitiveness of Colombian fruit relative to imports from other regions.

Regarding production, a notably severe winter throughout much of the year has reduced domestic output by 30% to 40% compared with the previous year. However, he stated that farms with effective technical management have been better equipped to withstand the weather’s impact than small-scale producers.

Despite this situation, De Los Ángeles Produce remains committed to its goal of exporting 400 containers this year, primarily to the United States (93%), the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Europe.

Portilla also highlighted a less often discussed phenomenon: how U.S. immigration policies affect consumption. Since limes are mainly linked to the Latino community, demand has decreased because many in this group, worried about deportation, are avoiding restaurants and bars, even during events like the recent World Cup.

Portilla is moderately optimistic about the coming months: Mexican production is expected to decline in August and September, which could trigger a price rebound.

The exporter urges the sector not to neglect agronomic management during periods of low prices, noting that the flowering-to-harvest cycle for Tahiti limes lasts about 90 days. Portilla adds, “If they invested wisely when prices are low, they would perform much better when prices rise.” He stresses that consistent fertilization, technical support, and quality control – not only during market booms – are crucial for maintaining volume and quality when the market recovers.

For more information:
Óscar Portilla
De Los Ángeles Produce
Colombia
Tel: +57 300 865 1095
Email: [email protected]
https://delosangelesproduce.com/

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