Melons and papayas market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in Latin America and the Caribbean increased from 10.3 million tons in 2018 to 10.7 million tons in 2020. This growth was driven by favorable agro-climatic conditions and the expansion of production chains, which boosted output. Preferential access to international markets through free trade agreements facilitated exports, while improvements in regional infrastructure and logistics supported the supply chain. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, but a rise in demand for fresh and healthy fruits helped maintain market volume.

Market volume stabilized around 10.6 million tons in 2021 and 2022, despite a gradual reactivation of international trade and investments in transport and conservation technologies. Increased global demand for tropical fruits and regulatory changes in labeling and traceability improved quality and food safety, supporting exports. In 2023, the market grew to 11.1 million tons, aided by the opening of new international markets and the expansion of logistical infrastructure, which increased production and diversified export destinations.

Consumer preference for organic and sustainably produced fruits strengthened over the period, driving adoption of ecological practices and influencing market dynamics. Regulatory developments in labeling and traceability, along with continued infrastructure investments, enhanced the region's export competitiveness for melons and papayas.

Production melons and papayas in Latin America and the Caribbean

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 consecutive years of growth, melons and papayas production in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a decline. In 2019, production reached its peak at 12 730 K t, but in 2020, it remained virtually unchanged at 12 706 K t compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of upward movement, melons and papayas production in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a downturn. In 2019, output value peaked at 7 233 M $ US, but in 2020, it fell to 6 929 M $ US, representing a 4.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 7.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 2.4%. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019, at 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, melons and papayas exports from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 2 006 K t, a 3.4% decrease from 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 914 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 2 078 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 4.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for 83.9% of total melons and papayas exports in kind from Latin America and the Caribbean.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported melons and papayas valued at 1 094 M $ US, a 7.3% drop from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 060 M $ US, and the highest in 2019 at 1 180 M $ US. The largest increase was in 2019, at 11.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, the United States (67.0% of export value), the Netherlands (11.7%), and the United Kingdom (7.5%) led as the top buyers of melons and papayas from Latin America and the Caribbean, with their combined share reaching 86.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons and papayas to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Melons and papayas imports into Latin America and the Caribbean grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 48 K t, showing a 6.5% improvement from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 16.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 31 K t, with the largest decline that year at 25.2%, and the largest increase in 2019 at 45.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary supplier of melons and papayas to Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 8.5% of total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, melons and papayas imports into Latin America and the Caribbean were valued at 39 M $ US, marking a moderate 4.6% decrease from 2019. The lowest value was in 2018 at 28 M $ US, and the highest in 2019 at 41 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 27.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 45.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States maintained the leading position among suppliers of melons and papayas to Latin America and the Caribbean, with a share of 41.6%.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020