Melons and papayas market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the melon and papaya market in Northern Africa reached 6 320 thousand tonnes, a level supported by Morocco's strategic shift toward diversifying its agricultural exports. By expanding into melons and avocados, Moroccan producers increased output, contributing to the region's overall supply.

The market volume then contracted over the next two years, falling to 5 629 thousand tonnes in 2019 and 5 429 thousand tonnes in 2020. A partial recovery followed in 2021 and 2022, with volumes rising to 5 700 thousand tonnes and 5 866 thousand tonnes respectively, before another drop to 5 392 thousand tonnes in 2023. These movements occurred amid broader reports of variable weather patterns affecting melon production in Mediterranean regions.

During 2024, a continent-wide project aimed at improving market access for papaya and other tropical fruits was launched, while European demand for exotic African produce continued to grow, highlighting ongoing external interest in the region's fruit sector.

Production melons and papayas in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Northern Africa's production of melons and papayas declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 753 K t, marking a slight year-over-year contraction of 1.9%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 6.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 560 K t, with a 6.4% increase that year. However, the largest drop occurred in 2019, when production decreased by 10.6%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Africa's export volume of melons and papayas reached 324.7 K t, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 35.6%. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 35.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a modest drop of 0.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Spain, and the Netherlands were the top buyers of melons and papayas from Northern Africa. France accounted for 38.0% of exports in kind, Spain for 27.6%, and the Netherlands for 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented 72.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of melons and papayas from Northern Africa amounted to 235.1 M $ US, reflecting a sharp rise of 36.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 48%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when exports fell by 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and the Netherlands were the main destinations for melons and papayas from Northern Africa in value terms. France contributed 46.5% of exports in value, Spain 25.9%, and the Netherlands 6.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 78.4% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The market for imports in kind showed significant volatility during these years. In 2017, imports hit their lowest point, while they peaked in 2019, resulting in a 5.3-fold variation between these two years. In 2020, Northern Africa imported 0.8 K t of melons and papayas, down by 71.2% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2.8 K t, with the largest increase that year of 368.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Brazil, Senegal, and Spain formed the key group of partners for imports in kind of melons and papayas to Northern Africa. Brazil accounted for 8.0% of imports in kind, Senegal for 1.1%, and Spain for 0.7%. Together, they represented 9.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market for imports in value terms exhibited an unstable trend over this period. Imports reached their minimum in 2017 and their maximum in 2019, with a 5.7-fold variation between these years. In 2020, shipments of melons and papayas to Northern Africa from abroad reached 0.5 M $ US, which is 74.4% lower than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1.9 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 326.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, imports in value terms of melons and papayas to Northern Africa were spread across numerous markets. Brazil accounted for 14.7% of imports in value terms, Senegal for 1.9%, and Spain for 1.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 18.0% of total import flows.

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

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