Melons and papayas market in Congo

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for fresh melons and papayas in Congo saw modest fluctuations, rising from 3 847 t to 3 918 t in 2019 before dipping to 3 850 t in 2020. This period coincided with the agricultural sector's increasing contribution to the country's GDP, which grew from around 5% to 9%, reflecting broader investment and interest in agriculture that likely underpinned production and consumption.

From 2021 to 2023, the market volume gradually expanded to 3 881 t in 2022, then settled at 3 867 t in 2023. During these years, foreign trade statistics were leveraged for economic diversification policies, indirectly affecting the fruit market. However, Congolese papaya producers faced persistent obstacles, including disorganized farmer groups and inadequate access to financial circuits and subsidies, which limited more robust growth despite government efforts to enhance the sector's attractiveness to investors.

Over the entire 2018-2023 span, the market for fresh melons and papayas demonstrated resilience, with volumes staying within a narrow range of 3 847 t to 3 918 t. While specific legislative or production facility changes for these fruits were not highlighted, the general agricultural context—marked by a rising GDP share and diversification initiatives—provided a stable backdrop, even as structural challenges in farmer support constrained potential expansion.

Production melons and papayas in Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Congo's production of melons and papayas saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the country produced 3 846 tonnes, marking a slight drop of 1.8% from the previous year. Production peaked in 2019 at 3 917 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.9%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Congo

According to market research, Congo did not export any melons or papayas between 2017 and 2020.

Imports melons and papayas to Congo

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. They reached their lowest point in 2019 at 515 kg, then surged to a peak in 2020 with an 8.1-fold increase. In 2020, Congo imported a total of {value_last_year} kg of melons and papayas, representing a dramatic rise of 713.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 81.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Congo in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France was the dominant source for Congo's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms, accounting for 76.5% of total imports. The remaining share was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The import market displayed an unstable trend over this period. Values hit a low in 2019 at 1 479 US dollars, then jumped to a high in 2020, showing a 10.6-fold difference from the 2017 peak. In 2020, Congo's imports of melons and papayas were valued at 14 720 US dollars, a sharp increase of 894.9% from 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, with an 88.8% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France led Congo's imports of melons and papayas in value terms, holding a 70.5% share of total imports. The rest was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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