Melons and papayas market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the melon and papaya market in Ecuador expanded, reaching a peak volume of 154.6 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by rising imports, which increased from 9.6 thousand tons to 14.3 thousand tons over the two years, while domestic production remained stable around 140 thousand tons. During this phase, producers showed growing interest in phytosanitary and GlobalGAP certification to meet international export standards, reflecting efforts to access demanding markets like the European Union, although export volumes themselves remained minimal.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2021, with market volume falling by 8.4 thousand tons to 146.2 thousand tons. This decline was directly linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflation, which raised production costs and reduced the competitiveness of Ecuadorian fruits, leading to a significant drop in imports. The effects persisted into 2022, but the market saw a modest recovery to 148.4 thousand tons, supported by an increase in domestic production to 142.4 thousand tons.

By 2023, the market volume had decreased further to 140.8 thousand tons, returning close to the 2018 level. Imports virtually halted, indicating ongoing cost pressures and a market supplied almost entirely by domestic output. Throughout the period, national production maintained a consistent surplus, underscoring Ecuador's self-sufficiency in melons and papayas.

Production melons and papayas in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

After two years of decline, Ecuador's production of melons and papayas increased in 2020. The country produced 140 455 tonnes, marking a slight 0.8% rise from the previous year. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 139 389 tonnes, with the largest decline of 0.5% recorded that same year.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Ecuador's exports of melons and papayas fluctuated dramatically, with a 17-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, exports reached 158 tonnes, representing a substantial 69.5% increase from 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 93 tonnes, following the largest decline of 87.9% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Peru, and the Netherlands formed the core of Ecuador's melon and papaya exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 52.0% of exports, Peru for 23.1%, and the Netherlands for 11.7%. Together, these three markets represented 86.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ecuador's melon and papaya exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 34 thousand US dollars. This marked a sharp 70.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 97.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -71.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands were the dominant markets for Ecuador's melon and papaya exports by value, jointly absorbing 80.0% of total export revenue. The remaining 20.0% was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Ecuador's imports of melons and papayas increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 14 283 tonnes. This represented a 24.8% year-over-year growth. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 151.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 36.0%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Peru remained the nearly exclusive supplier of melons and papayas to Ecuador, accounting for 100.0% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ecuador's melon and papaya imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 3 661 thousand US dollars. This reflected a 23.9% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 147.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 35.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of Ecuador's melon and papaya imports in value terms showed strong dependence on Peru, which accounted for 100.0% of total import value.

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

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