Melons and papayas market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The South Korean market for fresh melons and papayas experienced a period of growth and stabilization between 2018 and 2023. Production volume increased from 607 thousand tons to 674 thousand tons over the six years, with a significant surge in 2021 that lifted output to 688 thousand tons. This level was largely maintained in 2022 before a modest decline in 2023.

In monetary terms, the market value demonstrated even stronger growth, rising from 1 727 million US dollars in 2018 to 2 466 million US dollars in 2023. The year 2021 marked a sharp turning point, with values jumping by 38% to 2 468 million US dollars, suggesting a notable increase in unit prices or a change in the product composition.

International trade had a limited impact on the market size, as imports and exports each accounted for less than 1% of domestic production. Import volumes fluctuated between 1.9 and 3.6 thousand tons from 2018 to 2024, while exports gradually decreased from 1.3 to 0.8 thousand tons during the same period.

Production melons and papayas in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, South Korea ranked as the 26th largest producer of melons and papayas from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, South Korea produced 615.4 K t of melons and papayas, marking a 1.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 607.2 K t. That year also saw the sharpest drop of 9.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 3.1% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, melons and papayas production in South Korea declined in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 792 M $ US, down by 0.6% from the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production value increased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 1 803 M $ US, and the largest increase of 5.3% was recorded in 2018.

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

Exports melons and papayas from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, South Korea's exports of melons and papayas totaled 1 472 t, a decrease of 16.8% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 14.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 271 t, while the highest was in 2019 at 1 769 t. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 26.3% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 39.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, accounting for 38.7% of exports in kind, Asia not elsewhere specified at 23.5%, and Japan at 21.9%, together represented 84.1% of total exports in kind. These three destinations remained the primary markets for South Korea's melons and papayas.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of melons and papayas exported from South Korea was 4 288 K $ US, down by 15.8% year-on-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 615 K $ US, and the highest in 2019 at 5 093 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 40.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong led the export structure in value terms with 37.0%, followed by Japan at 22.7% and Asia not elsewhere specified at 22.1%. Together, these three markets accounted for 81.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's imports of melons and papayas increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3 234 t, representing a sharp rise of 31.8% over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 79.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant supplier of melons and papayas to South Korea, accounting for 86.9% of total imports in kind, while other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Melons and papayas deliveries to South Korea increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 4 257 K $ US, up by 8.3% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 50.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading market for imports in value terms, capturing 75.1% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the remaining share.

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

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