Melons and papayas market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons and papayas in North Macedonia showed variable production and consumption volumes between 2018 and 2023. Domestic output started at 133.2 thousand tons in 2018, declined to a low of 125.0 thousand tons in 2022, and recovered slightly to 125.5 thousand tons in 2023. The overall market size followed a similar pattern, falling from 127.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 115.1 thousand tons in 2022 before rising to 121.8 thousand tons in 2023.

Developments in the broader business environment included the expansion of financial and leasing services, such as EuroFinance's increased activity in the Macedonian market in 2022, which improved access to agricultural equipment for farmers. In 2024, a cross-border support program for small and medium-sized enterprises was launched, offering funding for modernization and digital solutions that could enhance the competitiveness of agricultural producers.

Trade flows contributed to market dynamics, with exports reaching 11.7 thousand tons in 2022 before dropping to 5.9 thousand tons in 2023 and rebounding to 10.4 thousand tons in 2024. Imports remained modest but grew to 2.9 thousand tons in 2024, supplementing domestic supply.

Production melons and papayas in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Melon and papaya production in North Macedonia has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 126.1 thousand tons, a slight decrease of 1.0% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.1% overall, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.0%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 133.2 thousand tons, marking an 8.9% increase that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 4.4%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia exported 8 542 tons of melons and papayas, a modest reduction of 8.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped significantly by 54.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 7 422 tons, which saw the largest decline of 60.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase, with exports rising by 25.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia's melon and papaya exports were distributed across numerous countries. The top three destinations—Czechia (15.3% of exports), Serbia (11.8%), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (8.6%)—together accounted for just 35.8% of total export volumes, highlighting a diverse trade pattern.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, melon and papaya exports from North Macedonia generated 1 708 thousand US dollars, a significant decline of 23.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 42.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 622 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 45.3%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 38.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest buyers of melons and papayas from North Macedonia in value terms were Czechia (16.1% of exports), Serbia (11.4%), and Sweden (9.8%). However, even combined, these three countries represented only 37.2% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 836 tons, a decline of 32.1% that year. By 2020, imports surged to 2 324 tons, an increase of 178.0% from 2019, marking the peak for the period. The difference between the 2019 trough and 2020 peak was 2.8-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Albania was the dominant source for melon and papaya imports into North Macedonia, accounting for 73.3% of total import volumes. Other countries played much smaller roles in the import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. In 2019, import value bottomed out at 283 thousand US dollars, a decline of 35.9% that year. By 2020, imports peaked at 633 thousand US dollars, a 123.6% increase from 2019. The difference between the 2019 low and 2020 high was 2.2-fold.

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

During 2017-2020, Albania was the primary source for imports in value terms, making up 72.1% of total flows. Other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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