Melons and papayas market in Belize

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for fresh melons and papayas in Belize experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 2 979 t, the market volume contracted sharply to 2 117 t in 2019. A recovery phase followed, bringing the market to a peak of 3 040 t by 2022, before it declined again to 2 569 t in the final year of the period.

This volatility was closely tied to changes in domestic production and export activity. Production fell by over 1 500 t in 2019, which was the primary driver of that year's smaller market. While production steadily recovered in subsequent years, reaching 3 818 t by 2023, growing export volumes absorbed an increasing share of the output. Exports more than tripled from their 2019 low, reaching 1 250 t in 2023, which limited the supply available for domestic consumption.

Consequently, by 2023, the local market was approximately 400 t smaller than it was in 2018, despite production levels being nearly equivalent. The interplay between recovering production and strengthening export demand defined the market's trajectory throughout this period.

Production melons and papayas in Belize

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

Belize's production of melons and papayas has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 3,429 tons, marking a significant 24.2% rise compared to 2020. However, looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 15.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.4%. The lowest point was in 2019, with output at 2,450 tons, which saw the largest drop of 39.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belize in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Belize's production value for melons and papayas has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, it reached 1,699 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 30.6% improvement over the previous year. Yet, from 2018 to 2021, the value decreased by 12%, averaging a 4.2% annual decline. The minimum was recorded in 2019 at 1,155 thousand US dollars, with the biggest fall of 40.2% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Belize in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Belize

Exports in kind, t

Belize's exports of melons and papayas have grown for the second year running. In 2021, shipments totaled 644 tons, a sharp 49.5% increase from 2020. Despite this, over the 2018-2021 period, exports dropped by 40.1%, with an average annual decrease of 15.7%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 335 tons, which experienced the most significant decline of 68.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belize in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the primary export partner for Belize's melons and papayas in volume terms, making up 93.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Belize in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Belize's export value for melons and papayas has increased for the second straight year. In 2021, it stood at 319.3 thousand US dollars, up 57.1% compared to the year before. However, between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 37.7%, equating to an average annual rate of decline of 14.6%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 157.8 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop of 69.2% recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belize in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, the export value of melons and papayas from Belize was heavily concentrated in the United States, which accounted for 93.9% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Belize in value, 2018-2021

Imports melons and papayas to Belize

Imports in kind, t

Belize's imports of melons and papayas have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, they reached just 0.2 tons, a sharp 73.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports plummeted by 91.9%, with an average annual decline of 56.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belize in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States dominated as the supplier of melons and papayas to Belize, accounting for 100.0% of total imports in volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Belize in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Belize's import value for melons and papayas has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2021, it totaled 0.4 thousand US dollars, a steep 72.4% drop compared to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports decreased by 91%, with an average annual decline of 55.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belize in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States was overwhelmingly the main source for Belize's imports of melons and papayas in value terms, representing 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Belize in value, 2018-2021