Melons market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The melon market in CIS countries expanded from 967 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 499 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was initially supported by the recovery of fruit imports after restrictions on Turkish supplies were eased, alongside lower prices that stimulated consumer demand. In subsequent years, continued import sanctions and trade limitations encouraged domestic melon production, while state subsidies and improved distribution logistics further boosted output.

After a contraction to 1 328 thousand tons in 2022, the market recovered to 1 459 thousand tons in 2023. The earlier decline coincided with the introduction of new product labeling and traceability requirements, which temporarily affected supply chains. The rebound was driven by increased crop yields, which rose by 18% compared to the ten-year average, and a shift in consumer preferences toward locally grown produce.

Over the full period, the melon market demonstrated resilience, with overall volume growing by more than 50% between 2018 and 2023. The expansion was underpinned by a consistent policy of import substitution, investment in agricultural productivity, and adaptations to changing regulatory and consumer landscapes.

Production melons in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Melon production in the CIS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, CIS countries produced 1 257 thousand tonnes of melons, marking a 10.2% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 37.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Melon production in the CIS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of melons was valued at 968.5 million US dollars in the CIS, up by 12.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 31.3%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

Exports melons from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Melon export volumes from the CIS have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 57.2 thousand tonnes, showing a significant gain of 17.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 12.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 33.4 thousand tonnes, which represented a decline of 34.5% from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with exports rising by 46.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Latvia, and Germany were the key partners for melon exports in kind. Ukraine accounted for 5.5% of exports, Latvia for 2.8%, and Germany for 0.8%, together making up 9.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Melon exports from the CIS have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 44 114 thousand US dollars, up by 20.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 7.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 26 902 thousand US dollars, which represented a decline of 34.6% from the previous year. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase, rising by 36.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Latvia, and Germany were the principal destinations for melon exports in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 4.7% of exports, Latvia for 3.3%, and Germany for 0.9%, together comprising 8.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

The volume of melon imports into the CIS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, CIS countries imported 18.9 thousand tonnes of melons, showing a substantial advance of 67.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 104%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of melon imports in kind was highly diversified. Brazil accounted for 3.7% of imports, Turkey for 2.1%, and China for 1.9%, together making up only 7.6% of total import flows. The remaining 92.4% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Melon imports into the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, CIS countries imported a total of 27 438 thousand US dollars worth of melons, up by 54.4% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 108.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of melon imports in value terms was highly diversified. Brazil accounted for 11.4% of imports, China for 5.5%, and Iran for 5.1%, together comprising only 22.1% of total import flows. The remaining 77.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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