Lime oil is extracted from Citrus aurantifolia (also known as Citrus medica var. acida) of the Rutaceae family and is also known as Mexican and West Indian lime, as well as sour lime. Originally from Asia, it is now cultivated in many warm countries, especially the West Indies, Southern Europe, India and the Americas.
Key limes are smaller and seedier to Persian limes, which are more common to Brazil. Persian limes are sweeter and larger and for this reason have a larger share of the global fresh fruit market.
Lime oil has been extensively used in the food and beverage industries, as well as in creating fragrances. Key limes are more commonly distilled for oil to be used in the beverage industry. This versatile citrus oil is also added to household cleaners, detergents, soaps, and other beauty products. It is frequently used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and stimulating character and can be also used for its cleansing properties.
Lime juice is widely known as a remedy for treating scurvy and it has been said that the early British sailors used it to prevent scurvy and other skin problems due to its rich Vitamin C content. That same Vitamin C content can help boost the immune system, helping to protect you from common colds and flu.
Mexico is the second largest producer of key limes in the world, behind India. However, Mexico processes more fruits for oil making it the largest oil producer. The main producing areas are Tecoman (Colima), Apatzingan (Michoacán), Las Vigas (Guerrero) and Costa, (Oaxaca). In recent times Mexico has cultivated over 80,000 hectares of key limes ever year, producing on average over 1,000 MT of distilled oil and over 500 MT of cold pressed oil.
Mexico suffered terribly during 2014 with their lime production. There are many possible factors behind this with the main reasons being plant disease (greening) and climatic conditions, particularly heavy and unseasonal rains. Their recovery process has been slow and is still on-going, so please check our market updates on the next tab for more details.
The Mexican lime market continues to show steady growth, supported by strong global demand for lime-based products across food, beverage, personal care, and industrial applications. The market is expected to maintain a moderate growth trajectory through 2026, in line with increasing export demand, particularly from the United States and Europe. According to the latest USDA updates and trade estimates for 2025-2026, Mexico remains one of the largest producers and exporters of limes globally, with production expected to increase marginally compared to the previous season, supported by stable weather conditions and improved farm practices. Both Persian and Key limes continue to be economically important for Mexico. Persian limes dominate the export market, while Key limes are primarily consumed domestically, although exports of this variety have shown gradual growth in recent years. Production of Key limes remains concentrated along the Southern Pacific Coast, while Persian lime cultivation is more widespread across major producing states such as Veracruz, Michoacán, and Colima.
The sector continues to be characterized by a high share of small-scale farmers, although ongoing government initiatives and private investments are promoting the adoption of modern agricultural practices, improved irrigation systems, and better pest management techniques, contributing to gradual yield improvements. Overall, supply fundamentals for Mexican lime oil are relatively tight, with constrained raw material availability influencing production levels. Lime output in Mexico is highly dependent on seasonal cycles, weather conditions, and disease pressure, which can lead to fluctuations in fruit supply. Periods of adverse weather or lower harvest volumes often result in reduced oil production. At the same time, strong global demand from the flavour, fragrance, and beverage industries continues to
support the market. As a result, pricing typically remains firm to elevated, further impacted by logistics costs and export demand. Overall, the Mexican lime oil market is characterised by constrained supply, steady demand, and ongoing price sensitivity.
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