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.
The third strike occurred in 1901, when Puerto Rico was incorporated into the US Customs System, placing local coffee production at a competitive disadvantage compared to its European markets. This also resulted in Puerto Rico losing its preferred status in US markets. To counteract this, Salvador Vives shifted to an orange cultivation program for the New York City market.