Mexico saw the value of its lime exports jump up by 27% year-on-year in the first half of 2014, according to a preliminary report by the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA). 

From January through June this year the country shipped US$180.5 million of the fruit, compared to US$131.5 million over the same period in 2013.

The export volume of the fruit in the first half of this year reached 193,382 metric tons (MT) and was shipped to 17 destinations including the U.S., Canada, France, Japan, Poland and the U.K.

The value of shipments sent to Japan more than doubled year-on-year, shooting up from US$602,000 to US$1.28 million, with a volume of around 900MT.

France was another destination that saw significant growth from January through June, where US$1.48 million worth of limes were shipped, representing a year-on-year increase of 104%.

Mexico's exports to its most important destination, the U.S., also grey by 38% year-on-year to hit US$166 million. This was followed by the Netherlands which imported US$6.73 million - a 77% increase.

Other notable export destinations were the U.K. (US$2.14 million), Canada (US$832,000), and Spain (US$675,000).

Mexico produces around 2 million metric tons of limes annually from 27 different regions. The most productive region is Veracruz, followed by Michoacan and Colima.

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