Peruvian lime production shrinks by a third in H1
Peru's national lime production for the first six months of 2017 registered a drop of 31% year-on-year to 106,246 metric tons (MT) due to adverse weather. 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri) said the decline was due to flooding in the north of the country caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Piura saw the most significant drop in lime production, it said, but noted volumes had risen in Lambayeque, Tumbes, Loreto and Ucayali.
Production in Piura dropped from 86,420MT to 35,850MT over the period. Single digit percentage growth was seen in Lambayeque which achieved 23,210MT, as well as Tumbes (20,910MT), Loreto (6,510MT) and Ucayali (6,140MT).
Minagri expects lime production to recover in September with state support.
It added that the price of limes should fall in the coming weeks as there was no longer a severe supply shortage, pointing out product was now coming into the Great Wholesale Market of Lima.
Prices on Aug. 24 for a box of limes were reportedly 10.22 soles (US$3.20), compared to 1.79 soles (US$0.55) on the same date last year, according to Minagri.
Agriculture and Irrigation Minister José Manuel Hernández had said a couple of weeks ago he was considering importing limes to help bridge the supply gap.
However, this week he ruled that out, citing phytosanitary issues and complications related to bringing in the fruit so quickly.
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
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