Melons and papayas market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons and papayas in Thailand began the period at 333 thousand tons in 2018. This year saw the introduction of the Emerald melon variety, a sweet and aromatic cultivar with a 75-day growing cycle that gained popularity among local farmers due to its superior taste and texture. Market development was further supported by the 15th Horticultural Progress Exhibition in Chanthaburi, which showcased advancements in agricultural machinery and facilitated trade.

From 2019 to 2023, the market volume experienced fluctuations. It declined to 325.9 thousand tons in 2019, recovered to 330.9 thousand tons in 2020, and then contracted to 320.7 thousand tons in 2021. A steady recovery followed, with the market rising to 329 thousand tons in 2022 and reaching 331.6 thousand tons by the end of 2023.

Production melons and papayas in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Thailand's production of melons and papayas increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 323.0 thousand tons, marking a slight rise of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 317.8 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 3.5% during this timeframe.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,747 tons, while the highest was reached in 2020 at 3,448 tons, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 2 times. In 2020, Thailand's exports of melons and papayas showed a significant uptick of 97.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 32.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand's exports of melons and papayas were not concentrated on a few key markets. The top three destinations—Laos (18.4% of exports), China (11.2%), and the United Arab Emirates (9.7%)—collectively accounted for only 39.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. From 2017 to 2019, there was a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.7 times. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 885 thousand US dollars, while in 2020, Thailand's exports of melons and papayas reached 3,444 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial increase of 289.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 67.1%.

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

The partner structure of exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. The top three countries—the United Arab Emirates (20.4% of exports), China (13.8%), and Laos (7.8%)—together accounted for only 42.0% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 5,531 tons, while the highest was reached in 2020 at 11,378 tons, reflecting a 2.1-fold gap. In 2020, Thailand's imports of melons and papayas amounted to 11,378 tons, up by 16.1% relative to the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 47.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 77.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, China and Laos remained the key sources for Thailand's imports of melons and papayas, accounting for 73.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Thailand's imports of melons and papayas increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 8,452 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a dramatic increase of 34.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4,074 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 46.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 54.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Japan led the ranking of suppliers of melons and papayas to Thailand, with a joint share of 76.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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