Melons and papayas market in Moldova, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons and papayas in Moldova showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. After reaching a peak of 46 225 t in 2019, market volume gradually declined to 45 372 t by 2021. The most significant contraction occurred in 2022, when the market shrank to 31 199 t, followed by a partial recovery to 36 494 t in 2023.

These shifts were driven primarily by fluctuations in domestic production, which fell sharply in 2020 and again in 2022. Imports, which had surged to 16 572 t in 2020, subsequently decreased, reducing their contribution to market supply. Exports remained low until 2023, when they rose to 2 993 t, further affecting net availability.

In 2024, import and export volumes both declined from the previous year, with imports at 1 662 t and exports at 2 136 t. Global factors such as tight papaya supply due to adverse weather and reduced plantings, along with changing consumer preferences towards fresh and healthy options, influenced international trade flows during this period.

Production melons and papayas in Moldova

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Moldova's production of melons and papayas has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 28 891 tonnes, which represents a 35.1% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 48.5%, with an average annual decline rate of 19.9%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Moldova

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of melons and papayas from Moldova dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 131 tonnes, marking an 82.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports fell by 83%, which translates to an annualized decline of 44.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Latvia, and Estonia were the main destinations for Moldova's melons and papayas exports. Ukraine accounted for 27.8% of exports in kind, Latvia for 24.6%, and Estonia for 18.5%. Together, these three countries made up 71.0% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Export values peaked in 2018 at 137 000 US dollars, then fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 28 000 US dollars—a 4.8-fold difference. In 2019, exports were down by 79.3% compared to 2018. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 71.5% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine were the primary buyers of melons and papayas from Moldova in value terms. Latvia accounted for 40.1% of exports, Estonia for 17.6%, and Ukraine for 15.3%. Collectively, these countries represented 73.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Moldova

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes experienced notable fluctuations. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 703 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 16 572 tonnes in 2020—a 24-fold increase. The 2020 figure represents an 801.4% jump from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine was the dominant supplier of melons and papayas to Moldova, accounting for 79.6% of total imports in kind. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data indicates a volatile market environment with irregular changes. Import values reached their lowest point in 2018 at 380 000 US dollars, then climbed to a peak of 5 443 000 US dollars in 2020—a 14.3-fold difference. In 2020, imports were 744.8% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Ukraine, Greece, and Turkey were the leading sources of melons and papayas imports to Moldova in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 68.4% of imports, Greece for 8.8%, and Turkey for 7.9%. Together, these three countries made up 85.1% of total import value.

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

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