Melons and papayas market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in Southern Asia grew from 13.3 million tons in 2018 to 16.6 million in 2020, before contracting to 15.1 million in 2022 and recovering to 15.5 million in 2023. In value terms, the market peaked at $4.3 billion in 2019, then declined steadily to $2.9 billion by 2023.

Exports from the region increased substantially after 2020, rising from 0.9 million tons to over 1.2 million by 2022 and remaining above 1.1 million in 2023 and 2024. This expansion in outward shipments coincided with the period of domestic market volume moderation.

In 2024, India's fresh fruit exports including papayas showed strong growth, supported by quality improvements and targeted efforts to access European markets. Simultaneously, domestic consumer trends shifted toward fresher, minimally processed fruits, while modern retail expansion and online grocery growth improved market access and availability.

Production melons and papayas in Southern Asia

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 Southern Asia has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 17 453 thousand tons, marking a controlled 7.8% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 17%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 14 202 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 4.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 14.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Southern Asia's melon and papaya production value declined. In 2020, output was valued at 3 934 million US dollars, reflecting a solid 13.2% contraction from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 23.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 4 532 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 21.4%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Southern Asia exported 916.3 thousand tons of melons and papayas, indicating a small 2.5% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.2%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey—together absorbed 82.2% of Southern Asia's total melon and papaya exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, melon and papaya exports from Southern Asia declined. In 2020, the region exported 206.6 million US dollars worth of these fruits, showing a 17.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 11.5%, with an annualized rate of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 250.2 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Iraq (56.6% of export value), the United Arab Emirates (20.0%), and Turkey (5.5%) formed the core group of markets for Southern Asia's melon and papaya exports in value terms, together representing 82.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest point was recorded in 2018 at 9.8 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 43.5%. In 2020, Southern Asia imported approximately 29.0 thousand tons of melons and papayas, constituting a dramatic 115.3% advance from the previous year. From the low in 2018 to the high in 2020, import volumes varied threefold.

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

Over 2017-2020, the United Arab Emirates clearly led the country structure of imports in volume terms, with its share reaching 1.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Melon and papaya import value in Southern Asia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 20.9 million US dollars, up by 31.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 46.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 11.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 18.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 36.6%.

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

The structure of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. The United Arab Emirates (11.8% of import value), Thailand (7.3%), and Australia (3.1%) together accounted for just 22.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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