Lime exports squeeze upwards for Brazil, Mexico
Two of the world's leading lime-exporting nations witnessed solid increases in shipments in the first half of 2015, with Europe as the main importing market with stable albeit lower average prices. 
According to Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, the country recorded an 8% year-on-year uptick in exports to reach 69,033 metric tons (MT) of the citrus fruit in the first seven months of the year with the European Union accounting for 83% of purchases.
The rate of growth for Brazil's lime exports to the EU was slightly lower however at 3%, with the differential largely explained by a 65% hike in exports to the United Arab Emirates; the third-largest buyer after the Netherlands and the U.K.
Fourth-placed Germany purchased 20% less volume year-on-year, while growth was seen for other importers like Belgium (596%), Spain (22%) and Saudi Arabia (96%).
The North American market was less receptive to Brazilian limes for the period, with Canada's imports dropping 56% to 836.5MT, and the U.S. was down 65% at a mere 7.6MT.
In contrast, the U.S. and Canada purchased significantly more Mexican limes for the first half, at rates of 31% and 22%, with volumes of 239,117MT and 1,228MT respectively.
While Mexico's total shipments are well below Brazil's, the country registered a 55% rise in exports to hit 16,700 in the first six months of 2015, according to the Mexican Secretariat of the Economy.
While the U.S. continued to be the main destination for limes from its southern neighbor, Mexico recorded 65% growth in volumes sent to its second-biggest buyer, the Netherlands, with 9,062MT.
Growth was also seen for Mexican lime exports to the U.K. (79%), France (43%), Japan (4%), Belgium (87%), Spain (1%) and Italy (67%).
According to data from Tricop, import prices in the Netherlands were more stable than last year ranging between €1.50-2 per kilogram, but in week 34 the price was down 37% year-on-year at €1.68 per kilogram.
