"US tariffs could lead to an increase of Mexican lime exports to Europe"

Donald Trump's announcement about the application of tariffs on imports from Mexico has opened up the possibility of more limes being diverted to Europe. Could that happen as early as this summer?

"So far this year, we have seen an abundant supply of limes in Europe," says Patricia Antón, head of imports at the Barcelona-based firm Cultivar. "Normally, the demand for limes isn't that high during the first months of the year, so prices remain relatively stable," she says.

Although Brazilian limes have been affected by certain logistical problems, Patricia says that these have been more of a one-off occurrence. "There have been some temporary issues, but trade has fortunately not been seriously affected."

Cultivar is currently importing limes from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. Last year, it imported and traded some 4,500 tons of limes. Most of these - around 70 percent - were intended for the Spanish market, while the remaining 30 percent was delivered to other European countries. Their coming into force has been delayed, but if tariffs are finally applied to Mexican limes in the United States, as announced by President Trump, Europe could end up receiving more fruit.

"It's a possibility that we are taking into account, although we'll have to wait and see how the situation evolves. If it happens, it could be a good opportunity to increase the export of Mexican limes to Europe during the summer months," says Patricia Antón.

Cultivar's lime sales continue to grow every year. "For this summer, we are expecting a 20-25% increase in sales," she says. "The main challenge will be to ensure the quality of the limes continues to improve in order to meet the market's expectations."