Melons and papayas market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for melons and papayas in Yemen began at 212 thousand tons in 2018, supported by the growing role of popular markets as distribution hubs and the liberation of western coastal areas which boosted local trade. However, the market declined to 203 thousand tons in 2019 and fell further to 195 thousand tons in 2020, when strict COVID-19 restrictions on market operations and continued war-related disruptions reduced supply and access.

A sharp turnaround occurred in 2021, with the market jumping to 258 thousand tons. This surge was primarily driven by the Central Bank of Yemen's measures to stabilize the currency and enhance monetary stability, which improved consumer purchasing power for fruits and vegetables. In 2022, despite the opening of a large new commercial waqf market in Saada province aimed at improving agricultural distribution, persistent instability and the spread of black markets contributed to a drop in volume to 233 thousand tons.

In 2023, the market recovered slightly to 241 thousand tons, even as the agricultural sector faced ongoing economic challenges from the conflict and climate change, forcing adjustments in farming and trade practices.

Production melons and papayas in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Yemen produced 206.4 thousand tons of melons and papayas, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 211.9 thousand tons. In 2019, production saw its largest decline of 4.2%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 9.1% rise.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen's cross-border shipments of melons and papayas amounted to 11 771 tons, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 20.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain remained the primary buyers of Yemen's melons and papayas in terms of volume. Saudi Arabia accounted for 56.2% of exports, Kuwait for 15.5%, and Bahrain for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 85.2% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Yemen exported melons and papayas worth 6 519 thousand US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports in value terms grew by 17.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain led the structure of Yemen's melons and papayas exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia contributed 53.4% of export value, Kuwait 16.9%, and Bahrain 15.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 85.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen imported 77 tons of melons and papayas, reflecting a negligible year-over-year variation compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports in volume increased by 72.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 20.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen's imports of melons and papayas in volume were largely oriented towards the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Their combined share reached 86.6% of total import flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Yemen's melons and papayas imports totaled 86 thousand US dollars, staying almost flat compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports in value terms surged by 375.4%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 68.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of Yemen's melons and papayas imports in value terms was characterized by a strong dominance of the United Arab Emirates, which accounted for 74.6% of total import flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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