Melons and papayas market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for melons and papayas in Western Asia showed volatility from 2018 to 2023. After a slight increase to 9.5 million tons in 2019, market volume contracted to 9.1 million tons in 2020. A recovery followed in 2021, with the market expanding to 9.6 million tons. This growth coincided with a reported expansion in the global watermelon sector, as seen in the rising valuation of the watermelon seed market, which stimulated regional production and consumption.

The market volume then entered a downward trend, decreasing to 9.2 million tons in 2022 and further to 8.1 million tons in 2023. This contraction occurred alongside broader environmental pressures such as drought and irregular rainfall in the region, which have historically challenged agricultural production.

By 2024, several developments shaped the market environment. Saudi Arabia implemented policies under its Vision 2030 to boost food security and support local watermelon production, achieving high self-sufficiency. Simultaneously, Iraq temporarily halted imports of melons and papayas to protect domestic producers, altering trade flows. The introduction of new watermelon varieties and advanced farming technologies also began influencing regional cultivation practices.

Production melons and papayas in Western 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

Western Asia's production of melons and papayas declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 8 566 thousand tonnes, but then fell by 3.6% to 8 255 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 2.1%, with an average annual decline of 0.7%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of melons and papayas produced in Western Asia was 5 140 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 1.3% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 365 million US dollars, followed by a decline to 5 075 million US dollars in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when the value fell by 5.4%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Asia exported 145 thousand tonnes of melons and papayas, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 43.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 70.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.5%. The only decline during this period was in 2019, when exports fell by 6.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Western Asia's exports of melons and papayas were distributed across a diverse range of partners rather than being concentrated in a few markets. Germany accounted for 5.2% of exports by volume, Russia for 3.6%, and Bulgaria for 3.4%, together representing 12.2% of total flows. The remaining 87.8% was spread among many other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of melons and papayas exported from Western Asia reached 90.1 million US dollars, showing a sharp year-on-year rise of 50.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 68.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.1%. The only decline occurred in 2019, when the value dropped by 12.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Russia, and Romania were notable but not dominant buyers of melons and papayas from Western Asia in value terms. Germany accounted for 4.4% of export value, Russia for 3.6%, and Romania for 3.6%, with their combined share reaching 11.6% of total exports. The remaining 88.4% was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of melons and papayas into Western Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 1 019 thousand tonnes, increasing by 6.0% from the previous year. By 2020, imports had fallen to 979 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 2.4% compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran was the dominant source for melons and papayas imported into Western Asia, accounting for 78.9% of total imports by volume. The remaining 21.1% was spread across a wide range of smaller suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, imports of melons and papayas into Western Asia declined. In 2019, import value reached its highest point at 345.1 million US dollars, rising by 7.0% from the previous year. By 2020, imports had fallen to 292.0 million US dollars, a decrease of 15.4% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 3.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, India, and Australia were the main sources of melons and papayas imported into Western Asia in value terms. Iran accounted for 53.7% of import value, India for 9.0%, and Australia for 4.6%, together representing 67.3% of total flows. The remaining 32.7% came from other destinations.

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

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