Melon seeds market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, melon seed production in the MENA region showed resilience, partly due to Iran and Egypt positioning themselves as key global producers of melons and watermelons, which supported local supply. Growth in commercial production and the development of hybrid varieties, along with regulatory changes linked to the consolidation of seed portfolios by major companies, contributed to the market volume reaching 41 thousand t in 2019.

The market volume dropped to 33.6 thousand t in 2020, likely influenced by emerging supply chain disruptions, even as health awareness and demand for organic and gluten-free products rose. By 2021, the market recovered to 37.8 thousand t, aided by the expansion of e-commerce which improved access to seeds and growing consumer preference for plant-based snacks. However, in 2022, geopolitical tensions and persistent logistics challenges led to another decline to 30.7 thousand t, compounded by stricter labeling and traceability requirements for agricultural seeds.

By 2023, the market stabilized at around 30.8 thousand t as producers increased investments in quality control laboratories and focused on cost efficiency for both organic and conventional seeds. Throughout the period, technological advances in biotechnology, including genetically modified varieties with higher yields, as well as trends toward vegan and gluten-free products, shaped demand and supply dynamics in the region.

Production melon seeds in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melon seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of melon seeds, 2017-2020

MENA's melon seeds production experienced a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, production reached 26 494 tonnes, marking a modest decrease of 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 27 556 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melon seeds from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The export market for melon seeds from MENA showed significant volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 500 tonnes, while the highest was reached in 2020 at 1 758 tonnes, representing a 3.5-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, exports surged by 47.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 53.0% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 at 138.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MENA in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, melon seeds exports from MENA were distributed across numerous markets without clear dominance. India accounted for 11.7% of exports, Germany for 6.7%, and Turkey for 6.3%, with these three countries together representing just 24.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from MENA in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values demonstrated notable fluctuations throughout the period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 531 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 11 134 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.2-fold difference. In 2020, export values increased sharply by 44.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline took place in 2018 with a 5.9% decrease, while the most significant increase was observed in 2019 at 118.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MENA in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, export values remained widely distributed across multiple countries. The Netherlands accounted for 11.3% of export value, the United States for 10.8%, and India for 7.0%, with these three partners together representing only 29.0% of total export value, indicating no single dominant market.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from MENA in value, 2017-2020

Imports melon seeds to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes exhibited considerable fluctuations during the period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 14 613 tonnes, representing a 2.1-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, MENA imported 8 813 tonnes of melon seeds, showing a sharp contraction of 39.7% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 78.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MENA in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, Sudan dominated melon seeds imports to MENA with a 42.8% share, followed by Turkey at 21.4% and Afghanistan at 17.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.1% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to MENA in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

MENA's melon seeds imports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 50 264 thousand US dollars, an increase of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values increased by 70.9%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 19.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MENA in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands was the leading supplier of melon seeds to MENA in value terms with a 21.2% share, followed by Sudan at 20.6% and Peru at 13.7%. These three countries together accounted for 55.6% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to MENA in value, 2017-2020