The third blow came in 1901, when Puerto Rico was included into the United States Customs System, setting the local coffee production at a competitive disadvantage over its European markets. It also dropped Puerto Rico's favored status in US markets. To compensate, the Salvador Vives switched to a successful orange growing program for the New York City market.
A third challenge emerged in 1901 when Puerto Rico was included in the United States Customs System, which hurt local coffee production by making it less competitive against European markets. As a result, Puerto Rico lost its preferred status in US markets. To adapt, Salvador Vives shifted to an orange cultivation program for the New York City market.