Melons market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh melon market in China demonstrated relative stability in volume from 2018 to 2023, fluctuating within a range of 12.9 to 13.5 million tons. The initial growth to 13.5 million tons in 2019 was partly driven by the implementation of a local 'pollution-free melon' production standard and infrastructure investments in standardized demonstration bases in Sanmen County, which enhanced efficiency and quality. After a dip in 2020, volumes recovered in 2021 and 2022, supported by continued public investment in demonstration base infrastructure and the acquisition of a National Geographical Indication trademark for Sanmen melons in 2022, strengthening brand recognition and market appeal.

While physical market volume remained resilient, the market value in USD terms contracted significantly, falling from 21.9 billion USD in 2019 to 15.1 billion USD in 2023. This decline reflected intensifying competition and expanding domestic supply, trends underscored by factors emerging in 2024 such as the rise of e-commerce direct sales, which shortened supply chains, and the notable expansion of planting areas for melons and watermelons, leading to increased market competition and price pressure.

By 2024, market dynamics were further shaped by factors like warmer summer temperatures encouraging local cultivation, ongoing governmental support for agricultural innovation and seed market regulation, and evolving consumer preferences for smaller packaging. These elements pointed towards a continued trajectory of robust domestic supply and quality consolidation, although comprehensive market size data for 2024 was not yet available.

Production melons in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

China was the world's leading producer of melons from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

China's melon production grew for two years before declining. In 2020, the country produced 13 009 thousand tonnes of melons, marking a 3.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 5.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 13 541 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 6.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, China's melon production value decreased. In 2020, the output was valued at 19 848 million US dollars, down 9.8% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 22 009 million US dollars, and the largest year-on-year increase also occurred in 2019 at 7.6%.

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

Exports melons from China

Exports in kind, t

China's melon exports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 84 526 tonnes of melons, a 5.6% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 31.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 50 575 tonnes, which represented a 21.3% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 58.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Thailand were the main destinations for China's melon exports by volume. Vietnam accounted for 42.7% of exports, Hong Kong for 28.4%, and Thailand for 12.7%. Together, these three markets absorbed 83.8% of China's total melon exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, China's melon export value reached 129.0 million US dollars, showing a slight decline of 0.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 28.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 78.6 million US dollars, representing a 21.8% decrease. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 130.1 million US dollars, which was a 65.4% increase from 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Thailand remained the leading destinations for China's melon exports by value. Vietnam accounted for 45.9% of export value, Hong Kong for 26.0%, and Thailand for 12.4%. Combined, these three markets represented 84.4% of China's total melon export flows in value terms.

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

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

Imports melons to China

Imports in kind, t

China's melon imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 146 tonnes, up 8.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew dramatically by 1 694.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 161.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kyrgyzstan, Brazil, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) were the key sources for China's melon imports by volume. Kyrgyzstan accounted for 56.9% of imports, Brazil for 22.6%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 12.4%. Together, these three partners supplied 91.9% of China's total melon imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's melon import value rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 0.2 million US dollars, a substantial increase of 561.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value surged by 1 548.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 154.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brunei Darussalam, Brazil, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) were the largest suppliers of melons to China by value. Brunei Darussalam accounted for 36.5% of import value, Brazil for 31.0%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 21.5%. Together, these three sources made up 89.0% of China's total melon imports in value terms.

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

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