Melons and papayas market in Sudan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market volume for melons and papayas in Sudan declined slightly from 213.5 thousand tons to 210.5 thousand tons. This was primarily due to the continued depreciation of the Sudanese pound and ongoing political-economic conflicts, which raised production and distribution costs. The expansion of informal popular markets and mobile vending helped maintain fruit accessibility despite the closure of some formal retail outlets.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused supply chain disruptions, yet the market volume remained stable at 210.7 thousand tons. In 2021, the emergence of hybrid melon varieties available year-round supported a surge in exports, which reduced domestic supply and lowered the market volume to 207.8 thousand tons. The following year, however, the suspension of some agricultural exports due to economic and political crisis, coupled with protests and closures of major markets following tax hikes, increased local availability, pushing the market volume back up to 210.4 thousand tons.

In 2023, despite a deepening economic crisis and record currency deflation that dampened consumer purchasing power, the market volume grew to 213.3 thousand tons, aided by a sharp drop in exports and the first notable imports. Government campaigns to regulate markets and remove informal trading began to reshape distribution channels. By 2024, the escalation of armed conflicts exacerbated the economic crisis, severely impacting food prices and supply.

Production melons and papayas in Sudan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Sudan's production of melons and papayas increased after a two-year decline. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 213.5 thousand tonnes, representing a 0.4% decrease. By 2020, production had stabilized at 214.5 thousand tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged compared to the previous year.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Sudan

Exports in kind, t

Sudan's exports of melons and papayas have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 3 741 tonnes, marking a significant 23.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 562.7%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 87.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia consistently dominated Sudan's melon and papaya exports by volume. Turkey accounted for 57.5% of exports, Kuwait for 21.2%, and Saudi Arabia for 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 85.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sudan's export value of melons and papayas has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 1 944 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.5% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 1 256.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 138.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, Turkey, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia were the primary destinations for Sudan's melon and papaya exports by value. Turkey held a 55.9% share, Kuwait 19.6%, and Saudi Arabia 8.2%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 83.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Sudan

According to market overview data, Sudan did not import any melons or papayas from 2017 to 2020.