Melons and papayas market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for melons and papayas in Eastern Asia saw its volume grow from 76.6 million tonnes in 2018 to 78.7 million tonnes in 2023. Initial growth was supported by a 2018 policy encouraging local growers to develop new melon varieties, which aimed to strengthen domestic production and contributed to the market's expansion in subsequent years. In value terms, the market increased from $77.0 billion in 2018 to a peak of $86.4 billion in 2020, before adjusting to $80.4 billion by 2023.

The period from 2021 to 2023 consolidated the market's physical growth, with annual volumes remaining above 78 million tonnes. While the market value dipped in 2021, it stabilized and showed a modest recovery through 2023, indicating a phase of price normalization alongside steady consumption.

In 2024, new national food safety standards were implemented, affecting fruit processing and sales. Consumer preferences also shifted towards diverse, packaged fruit products and specialty varieties, reflecting ongoing changes in the market environment.

Production melons and papayas in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Following two years of decline, melon and papaya production in Eastern Asia has rebounded. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 76 185 thousand tons. However, in 2020, output increased by 1.2% to 77 127 thousand tons. The most significant contraction occurred in 2018, when production fell by 1.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Melon and papaya production in Eastern Asia has now grown for two consecutive years. In 2018, the value of production hit its minimum at 77 043 million US dollars. The following year saw the largest increase of 9.3%. By 2020, production value reached 86 482 million US dollars, representing a 2.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 5.6%, averaging 1.8% growth annually.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's melon and papaya exports showed mixed performance in recent years. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 147.4 thousand tons. The following year saw a significant rebound with the largest increase of 24.9%, bringing exports to their peak of 184.1 thousand tons. In 2020, exports declined by 6.2% to 172.6 thousand tons. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 16.5%, representing an average annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Eastern Asia's melon and papaya exports were distributed across a diverse range of markets rather than concentrated in a few destinations. Vietnam accounted for 27.6% of export volume, Thailand represented 6.8%, and Malaysia contributed 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 40.5% of total export flows, while numerous other countries accounted for the remaining 59.5%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of Eastern Asia's melon and papaya exports followed a similar pattern to export volumes. In 2018, export value reached its lowest point at 148.6 million US dollars. The following year saw the largest increase of 36.9%, bringing export value to its peak of 203.5 million US dollars. In 2020, export value declined moderately by 4.9% to 193.5 million US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 23.3%, averaging 7.2% annual growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Eastern Asia's melon and papaya exports in value terms were distributed across a broad portfolio of buyers. Vietnam accounted for 31.8% of export value, Thailand represented 7.8%, and Malaysia contributed 7.7%. Together, these three markets represented 47.2% of total export value, while many other countries held smaller but still meaningful shares.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, melon and papaya imports to Eastern Asia experienced a sharp decline. In 2019, imports reached their peak at 348.0 thousand tons, representing the largest increase of 17.2% that year. However, in 2020, imports fell dramatically by 45.8% to 188.8 thousand tons. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 29.7%, averaging an 11.1% annual decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Eastern Asia's melon and papaya imports were dominated by a few key suppliers. Vietnam accounted for 67.3% of import volume, Mexico represented 5.5%, and Myanmar contributed 4.6%. Together, these three countries supplied 77.4% of total imports to the region.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of melon and papaya imports to Eastern Asia declined. In 2018, imports saw the largest increase of 8.4%. The following year, import value reached its peak at 119.4 million US dollars. In 2020, import value fell substantially by 18.4% to 97.4 million US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 8.6%, averaging a 2.9% annual decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Eastern Asia's melon and papaya imports in value terms were concentrated among several key suppliers. Vietnam accounted for 30.2% of import value, the United States represented 13.2%, and Mexico contributed 10.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.9% of total import value, remaining the primary sources for melons and papayas entering Eastern Asia.

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

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