Melons market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh melon market in ASEAN grew from 154 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 197 thousand tons in 2020, supported by a global trend toward healthier eating and increased consumer preference for fresh fruits. This rise in demand coincided with broader shifts in dietary habits, encouraging higher consumption across the region. However, from 2021 onward, market volume contracted, falling to 161 thousand tons by 2023, as local production faced headwinds from adverse weather conditions that reduced harvests and limited supply.

In 2022, climatic factors and unfavorable weather patterns negatively impacted melon yields in several producing areas, contributing to a drop in ASEAN's output. Simultaneously, agricultural innovations such as the launch of greenhouse-grown melons under the Solara™ brand introduced new quality segments and variety to the market. Rising production and freight costs in key supply regions also placed upward pressure on import prices, affecting overall market dynamics. By 2023, continued consumer interest in fresh, convenient produce helped stabilize demand, while advances in storage and distribution technology improved off-season availability.

The region's import volume surged to 149 thousand tons in 2024, likely influenced by supply shortages in other parts of the world due to persistent climatic challenges in Europe and shifting global trade flows. Price movements in the Philippines, a significant ASEAN market, reflected these international fluctuations, with export and import prices adjusting in response to broader market conditions.

Production melons in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

ASEAN's melon production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 164.7 thousand tons of melons, representing an 11.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 38.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

Exports melons from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

Melon exports from ASEAN have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 3 316 tons, marking a 14.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 79.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 41.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China remained the primary buyer of melons from ASEAN, accounting for 41.2% of total exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export values peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, melon shipments from ASEAN abroad amounted to 4 210 thousand US dollars, a 2.3% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 531 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 86.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 1.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China consistently led in the value of melon exports from ASEAN, capturing 74.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

Melon imports into ASEAN have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 35 163 tons, showing a modest 5.3% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 23 082 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 29.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 44.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China (48.2% of imports by volume), Australia (16.2%), and Spain (0.9%) remained the key sources for melon imports into ASEAN, together accounting for 65.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Melon imports into ASEAN have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, ASEAN imported a total of 35 013 thousand US dollars worth of melons, reflecting an 8.1% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 7.9%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 24 775 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 23.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 30.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—China, Australia, and Japan—collectively represented 73.9% of the total value of melon imports into ASEAN.

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

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