Melons and papayas market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the melons and papayas market in CIS contracted, with volume dropping from 7.35 million tonnes to 6.72 million tonnes. The decline in 2020 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and altered demand patterns. During this period, the market saw the entry of new large agricultural holdings and investments in production facilities, laying groundwork for future recovery.

A sharp rebound occurred in 2021, lifting the market to 7.39 million tonnes. This growth was fueled by improved crop yields and import substitution policies, reinforced by international sanctions that encouraged domestic production. Regulatory changes introducing stricter product labeling and traceability requirements also supported market development.

After a slight dip to 7.20 million tonnes in 2022 due to global logistics bottlenecks and rising energy costs, the market expanded again to 7.65 million tonnes in 2023. This recovery was underpinned by the development of greenhouse farming and continued import substitution efforts, which enhanced domestic supply.

Production melons and papayas in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Melons and papayas production in the CIS has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 6,759 thousand tons, marking a slight decrease of 2.6% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, melons and papayas production in the CIS rebounded in value terms. In 2020, output was valued at 3,996 million US dollars, representing an 8.5% increase year-over-year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 5.7%, averaging a 2.0% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3,682 million US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 7.2%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Melons and papayas exports from the CIS have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 119.8 thousand tons, a significant increase of 25.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 34.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 10.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 70.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 20.4%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 34.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine, Latvia, and Lithuania were the top destinations for melons and papayas exports from the CIS in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 6.9% of exports, Latvia for 3.4%, and Lithuania for 3.1%. Together, these three countries made up 13.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of melons and papayas exports from the CIS has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 70,817 thousand US dollars, a sharp rise of 39.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 40.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 37,786 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Latvia, and Lithuania remained the key buyers of melons and papayas from the CIS in value terms. Ukraine represented 4.8% of exports, Latvia 3.6%, and Lithuania 2.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 10.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for melons and papayas in the CIS showed an unstable trend over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 36.6 thousand tons and peaked in 2020 at 78.2 thousand tons, resulting in a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports surged by 103.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 2.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, melons and papayas imports to the CIS were sourced from many countries, with even the largest suppliers—Ukraine, Iran, and Turkey—together representing only 16.5% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of melons and papayas to the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 71,985 thousand US dollars, a sharp uptick of 65.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 103.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 26.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, melons and papayas imports to the CIS in value terms were spread across a wide range of markets. Iran accounted for 13.7% of imports, Brazil for 10.7%, and Turkey for 7.0%. Together, these three countries made up only 31.4% of total import flows.

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

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