Melons market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons in Eastern Asia, measured in physical terms, remained relatively stable between 13 300 and 13 900 thousand tons from 2018 to 2023. After reaching a peak of 13 880 thousand tons in 2019, the market experienced a contraction to 13 333 thousand tons in 2020, followed by a recovery to 13 634 thousand tons in 2021. The subsequent years saw minimal movement, with 13 645 thousand tons in 2022 and a slight decrease to 13 526 thousand tons in 2023.

In value terms, the market exhibited more pronounced swings. The market value surged to over 20 billion USD in 2019, then declined steadily, dropping to 15.7 billion USD by 2023. This significant reduction in market value, despite relatively stable volume, suggests shifts in pricing, product mix, or consumer expenditure patterns during the period.

By 2024, several developments shaped the melon market. Improved cold-chain logistics and transportation networks lowered costs and enhanced distribution efficiency. Consumer preferences evolved, with growing demand for specific varieties like Galia melons and smaller, convenient packaging. Spring rainfall affected early-season yields, temporarily tightening supply, while overall market availability remained sufficient. These factors, alongside rising summer temperatures and holiday demand, influenced trade dynamics, as evidenced by increased import and export volumes in 2024.

Production melons in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's melon production saw growth for two years before declining. In 2020, the region produced 13 393 K t of melons, marking a 3.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 13 934 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After rising for two consecutive years, melon production in Eastern Asia experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 19 039 M $ US, down 5.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 12.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 20 131 M $ US, with the largest annual increase also occurring that year at 10.1%.

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

Exports melons from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Melon exports from Eastern Asia grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 99 094 t, representing a 1.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 19.8%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 65 248 t, which also saw the largest decline of 21.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase at 49.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia were the primary buyers of melons from Eastern Asia, accounting for 41.0%, 12.2%, and 10.3% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 63.6% of total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of melon exports from Eastern Asia was recorded at 140.9 M $ US, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 28.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 88.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 19.5%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 141.0 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 59.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia led the export structure in value terms, accounting for 42.0%, 11.4%, and 10.8% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three markets represented 64.2% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Imports melons to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Melon imports into Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 39 284 t of melons, reflecting a modest 9.9% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 16.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 5.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 49 025 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, the United States, and Honduras remained the main suppliers of melons to Eastern Asia, accounting for 38.8%, 21.1%, and 10.2% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 70.1% of total imports in kind during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of melon imports into Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 44.2 M $ US of melons, showing a controlled 3.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 6.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, the United States, and Honduras were the main markets for imports in value terms, accounting for 25.0%, 20.1%, and 11.4% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 56.5% of total import flows during this period.

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

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