Melons market in Central Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The melon market in Central Asia expanded from 800 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 326 thousand tons in 2021, primarily due to the significant increase in cultivated areas for melons and other cucurbits in the irrigated southern regions of Kazakhstan, notably the Zhetysai district, which became the largest agro-region for these crops. This expansion, supported by local farming companies, ensured full domestic supply and strong export potential.

After a moderate decline to 1 196 thousand tons in 2022, the market recovered to 1 327 thousand tons in 2023, driven by enhanced agricultural technologies and further expansion of sown areas. These improvements also facilitated a 1.5-fold increase in the export of vegetables and cucurbits, reinforcing Kazakhstan's position as a key supplier.

In 2024, Russia's Rosselkhoznadzor imposed restrictions on imports of fresh melons from Kazakhstan due to detected harmful organisms, challenging the export segment. However, domestic production capacity remained supported by sustained cultivation of tens of thousands of hectares in key regions and the growth of e-commerce channels for fresh produce distribution.

Production melons in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Melon production in Central Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 1,165 thousand tonnes of melons, marking an 11.9% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 43.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 12.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Melon production in Central Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 410.8 million US dollars, showing a significant 29.5% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 50%, with an annualized growth rate of 14.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 238.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 13.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 33.2%.

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

Exports melons from Central Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Melon exports from Central Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 121.8 thousand tonnes of melons, representing a gradual 3.5% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 97.8 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 17.7%. In 2019, exports rebounded with the largest increase of 20.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia consistently accounted for 73.2% of total melon exports in kind, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Central Asia's melon exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported melons worth 42,924 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a strong 19.8% uptick from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 26,070 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 34.9%. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase of 37.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Belarus, and Latvia were the main markets for melon exports in value terms. Russia accounted for 68.7% of exports, while Belarus and Latvia each contributed 3.4%. Together, these three countries represented 75.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons to Central Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imported melon volumes in Central Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 5.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 33.7% advance compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 117.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 29.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia remained the main supplier of melons to Central Asia, accounting for 1.5% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The melon import market in Central Asia showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the peak hit in 2020, with a 5.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Central Asia's melon import volume amounted to 11,169 thousand US dollars, up by 219.3% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 22.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia remained the main supplier of melons to Central Asia, accounting for 2.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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