Melons and papayas market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in China increased from 75.3 million tons in 2018 to 77.4 million tons in 2023. Initial growth was supported by favorable conditions like warmer summer temperatures in 2018, which encouraged local growers to increase production and experiment with new varieties. By 2020, rising consumer demand for healthy foods significantly expanded the market, reinforcing melons as an important cash crop for farmers due to their stable yields and economic benefits.

After a slight stabilization in 2021, market volume continued its upward trend through 2022 and 2023. This was driven by steady consumer preference for low-calorie, high-fiber fruits rich in vitamin C. Simultaneously, the rapid growth of e-commerce channels became a key driver; in Shanghai, online sales captured over 20% of the market by 2023, improving accessibility and convenience for buyers. Regional price volatility, such as a sharp 28.76% increase for a specific melon variety in Guangdong at the end of 2023, highlighted active local supply and demand dynamics.

Entering 2024, the broader fruit market was characterized by ample supply of seasonal produce including melons, leading to stable or slightly declining wholesale prices. Industry development was further supported by national policies and regulations aimed at market standardization, seed market innovation, and the promotion of new high-quality varieties, strengthening the foundation for domestic production and reducing import reliance.

Production melons and papayas in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

China was one of the world's top producers of melons and papayas from 2017 to 2020, ranking first globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

China's production of melons and papayas rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2019, output hit its lowest point at 74 899 thousand tonnes, but then increased by 1.3% in 2020 to reach 75 874 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 1.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

The value of China's melons and papayas output fell in 2020, totaling 97.5 billion US dollars, which was 5.3% lower than in 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 95.9 billion US dollars, while the peak came in 2019 at 103.0 billion US dollars, representing a 7.3% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports melons and papayas from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's exports of melons and papayas grew for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 140.3 thousand tonnes, a 1.5% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports expanded by 21.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 107.0 thousand tonnes, when it fell by 7.1%. The largest jump occurred in 2019, with a 29.2% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand were the primary destinations for China's melons and papayas exports by volume. Hong Kong accounted for 45.7% of exports, Vietnam for 28.7%, and Thailand for 7.1%, together making up 81.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of China's melons and papayas exports declined to 180.4 million US dollars, down 5.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 23.3%, averaging 7.2% growth per year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 136.6 million US dollars, with a 6.7% drop that year. The highest value was in 2019 at 190.0 million US dollars, marking a 39.1% surge.

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

During 2017-2020, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand were the main markets for China's melons and papayas exports by value. Hong Kong represented 43.7% of export value, Vietnam 34.1%, and Thailand 8.3%, collectively accounting for 86.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to China

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, China's imports of melons and papayas dropped sharply in 2020, falling to 98.8 thousand tonnes, a 64.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports contracted by 47.8%, with an average annual decline of 19.5%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 274.8 thousand tonnes, which saw a 24.3% increase from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam dominated China's melons and papayas imports by volume, accounting for 92.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increases, China's melons and papayas import value fell in 2020 to 18.0 million US dollars, down 60.5% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 45.3%, with an average annual drop of 18.2%. The highest value was in 2019 at 45.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 37.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Vietnam was the overwhelming source for China's melons and papayas imports by value, making up 93.6% of total import flows.

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

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