Melons and papayas market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, melon and papaya production in MERCOSUR grew, reaching 4 436 K t in 2020. This increase was supported by the Brazilian fruit sector's target to export $1 billion in fresh fruits, which specifically highlighted melons and stimulated regional output. The Asunción Treaty, which eliminated tariff and non-tariff barriers among member states, further facilitated internal trade, helping sustain production levels and market volume, which peaked at 4 071 K t in 2020.

Between 2021 and 2023, production gradually declined to 4 174 K t, and the market size in volume terms contracted to 3 804 K t. Export volumes remained resilient, driven by Brazil's strengthening position as a key supplier to Europe and favorable climatic conditions such as El Niño, which improved melon yields in producing regions like Rio Grande do Norte. Concurrently, a shift in consumer preferences towards year-round availability of fresh fruits continued to support underlying demand for melons and papayas across the region.

In 2024, the provisional application of the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement came into effect, granting duty-free access for fruits and vegetables to the European market. This development coincided with increased Brazilian melon exports, which rose to 404 K t, bolstered by competitive advantages from favorable weather and the seasonal decline of European production.

Production melons and papayas in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, MERCOSUR produced 4 436 K t of melons and papayas, showing negligible year-over-year variation. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 3.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4 275 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 4 437 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.5% decrease, and the most significant increase was in 2019 with a 3.8% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MERCOSUR's melons and papayas production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 776 M $ US, reflecting a modest 3.1% year-over-year drop. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 8%, translating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 113 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.0% decrease, while the most notable increase was in 2018 with a 3.2% gain.

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

Exports melons and papayas from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 375.6 K t of melons and papayas, marking a modest 3.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 299.2 K t, and the highest was in 2019 at 389.6 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 12.7% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2019 with a 30.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain remained the top buyers of melons and papayas from MERCOSUR, accounting for 36.7%, 26.4%, and 19.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 82.8% of total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, MERCOSUR's melons and papayas exports reached 235.0 M $ US, representing a modest 6.5% loss compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 217.9 M $ US, and the highest was in 2019 at 251.5 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 9.5% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2019 with a 15.4% gain.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain formed the core group of markets for MERCOSUR's melons and papayas exports in value terms, with shares of 33.9%, 26.5%, and 20.2%, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 80.6% of total export flows during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 3.1 K t, while in 2020, they peaked at 10.8 K t, showing a 3.5-fold increase. The 2020 volume represented a steep gain of 251.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.7% decrease.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2019, imports hit their minimum at 2.5 M $ US, while in 2020, they reached a maximum of 7.5 M $ US, marking a 3-fold variation. The 2020 value was 200.4% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 21.3% decrease.

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

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