Melons and papayas market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for melons and papayas in Lebanon showed relative stability from 2018 to 2020, increasing modestly from 87 632 tons to 88 610 tons. Domestic production also rose over this period, reaching 88 422 tons in 2020.

A shift occurred in 2021 when the market volume declined to 86 987 tons, coinciding with Lebanon's severe economic crisis which altered consumer behavior and made fruits a luxury item for many households. The market partially recovered to 87 925 tons in 2022, supported by continued imports of melons from Syria that accounted for up to 20% of supply. However, by 2023 volume contracted again to 86 856 tons as global inflation and a weak local currency raised production and import costs, further dampening consumption.

In 2024, melon farmers in southern Lebanon continued harvesting despite border security tensions, indicating resilience in local supply, though political and security conditions posed challenges for marketing and distribution.

Production melons and papayas in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Lebanon's production of melons and papayas increased after two years of decline. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 85,040 tons. The following year, in 2020, output rose to 88,422 tons, representing a 4.0% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline during this period occurred in 2018, when production fell by 3.3%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's exports of melons and papayas have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 2,000 tons, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 409%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 72.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with Kuwait and Qatar together accounting for 85.7% of total shipments. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lebanon's export value of melons and papayas has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 704 thousand US dollars, a 38.4% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 195.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main markets for Lebanon's exports in value terms were Kuwait, with 54.9% of total exports, Qatar at 24.7%, and the United Arab Emirates at 14.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 94.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

The import market for melons and papayas in Lebanon showed volatility during the observed period. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 2,095 tons. The following year, in 2019, they peaked at 5,146 tons, marking a 2.5-fold increase from 2018 and the largest annual rise of 145.6%. However, in 2020, imports dropped sharply to 2,188 tons, a 57.5% decrease compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt and Jordan were the primary suppliers of melons and papayas to Lebanon, together representing 86.6% of total imports in kind. Other countries contributed the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Lebanon's import value of melons and papayas fell to 1,001 thousand US dollars, a 61.3% contraction from 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 2,588 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 64.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 51.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 21.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, Egypt and Jordan together accounted for 83.7% of Lebanon's total import value of melons and papayas. Other countries made up a more diversified but smaller portion of imports.

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

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