Melons and papayas market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

After declining to 2 958 thousand tonnes in 2019, the market volume for fresh melons and papayas in Central America grew to 3 082 thousand tonnes in 2020. This increase was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which raised air freight costs for exports to Europe, reducing export shipments and making more produce available for domestic consumption.

In 2021, the market continued its modest expansion, reaching 3 125 thousand tonnes despite lower production, as export volumes fell further. However, in 2022, the market contracted sharply to 2 875 thousand tonnes, largely due to adverse climatic conditions like El Niño that reduced yields in countries such as El Salvador. By 2023, the market recovered to 2 902 thousand tonnes, supported by export diversification efforts in Guatemala and institutional initiatives that boosted production.

Production melons and papayas in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central America produced 4 682 K t of melons and papayas, marking a 1.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2%. The highest production level was reached in 2018 at 4 697 K t, which represented a 3.9% increase. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, melons and papayas production in Central America experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 458 M $ US, down 2.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 9.5%, with a CAGR of 3.1%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 2 514 M $ US, while 2018 recorded the largest increase of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Central America exported 1 618 K t of melons and papayas, a 3.8% decrease year-over-year. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 606 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 1 682 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated the export structure in kind, accounting for 80.9% of total flows, with other destinations making up relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Central America's melons and papayas export value declined. In 2020, exports totaled 849.5 M $ US, a moderate 7.3% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 4%, with a CAGR of 1.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 916.4 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, the United States absorbed 86.0% of Central America's total melons and papayas export value, with the remainder distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. In 2020, Central America's melons and papayas imports totaled 19 K t, a dramatic 27.9% decrease year-over-year. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 11 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 26 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 53.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 141.2%, resulting in a 2.4-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary and most stable source for imports in kind, representing 7.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. In 2020, Central America's melons and papayas imports were valued at 16.0 M $ US, down 30.9% from 2019. The lowest value was in 2018 at 9.2 M $ US, and the highest was in 2019 at 23.1 M $ US. The largest decline of 56.4% happened in 2018, while the largest increase of 150.1% occurred in 2019, leading to a 2.5-fold shift between the 2019 peak and the 2018 low.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States was the main source for melons and papayas imports to Central America, absorbing 44.0% of total import value.

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

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