Melons and papayas market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for melons and papayas in the MENA region began at 10.7 million tons in 2018 but then contracted to 10.2 million tons in 2019 and 10.1 million tons in 2020. This initial decline occurred in a context where armed conflicts in the region during 2017 had severely disrupted the stability of agricultural and food markets, undermining production and distribution channels.

A rebound followed in 2021, with market volume rising to 10.5 million tons. This growth was directly supported by a strategic agreement between agricultural technology firm KissanPro and Barakat Vegetables & Fruit Co in Dubai, which streamlined access and enhanced the supply of fresh fruits, including tropical varieties like papaya, to the regional market.

After the 2021 recovery, the market volume resumed its downward trajectory, decreasing to 9.9 million tons in 2022 and further to 9.0 million tons in 2023.

Production melons and papayas in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

MENA's production of melons and papayas has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 10,458 thousand tonnes, marking a slight year-on-year decrease of 0.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MENA's production of melons and papayas has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 12,547 million US dollars, down by 4.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 18.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.8%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

MENA's export volume of melons and papayas increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 782.6 thousand tonnes, up by 1.5% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 26.9%, with an annualized rate of 8.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 467.5 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 24.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 64.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of exports in kind was diversified, with France accounting for 8.0% of exports, Spain for 5.8%, and Turkey for 4.6%. Together, these three countries made up just 18.5% of total flows, indicating that no single country held a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, MENA exported 486.7 million US dollars worth of melons and papayas, representing a 7.9% increase over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 28.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 27.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms from MENA were characterized by a broad spread across markets. France accounted for 20.1% of exports, Spain for 11.2%, and Turkey for 2.7%, with these three countries together making up only 34.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MENA's imports of melons and papayas reached 418.1 thousand tonnes, showing a slight decline of 2.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 389.7 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 4.4%. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 426.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Sri Lanka, and Turkey were the principal suppliers of melons and papayas to MENA, accounting for 5.1%, 1.1%, and 1.1% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they contributed 7.3% of total imports, reflecting a diversified supply structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, MENA's imports of melons and papayas declined. In 2020, import volume totaled 284.7 million US dollars, down by 15.5% from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.7%, with an annualized decline of 1.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 336.8 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Australia, and Sri Lanka formed the largest group of suppliers to MENA in value terms, accounting for 9.2%, 4.8%, and 2.4% of imports, respectively. However, their combined contribution was limited to 16.3% of total imports, highlighting a diversified country structure.

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

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