Melons market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

Guatemala's melon production increased from 629 thousand tons in 2018 to 721 thousand tons in 2021, supported by the country's strong export orientation and institutional efforts from the Ministry of Agriculture and AGEXPORT, which implemented market monitoring systems and promoted international trade through fairs like AGRITRADE.

Production fell to 656 thousand tons in 2022 due to lower harvests in key producing departments, which reduced supply and pushed up prices, leading to a decline in domestic market volume to 314 thousand tons. However, output rebounded to 756 thousand tons in 2023 as export demand stabilized and preparations for the AGRITRADE 2024 fair encouraged renewed production.

By early 2024, fresh melon exports had grown 22%, driven by stronger demand in North America. Ongoing support from AGEXPORT and MAGA through trade fairs and quality initiatives continued to diversify international markets, strengthening Guatemala's role as a global supplier.

Production melons in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Guatemala ranked as the 7th largest producer of melons during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Guatemala's melon production volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 713.3 thousand tons of melons, marking a moderate year-over-year growth of 3.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 16.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Guatemala's melon production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 279.4 million US dollars, representing a 5.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 19.5%, with an annualized rate of 6.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 294.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 21.3%.

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

Exports melons from Guatemala

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Guatemala's melon exports increased. In 2020, the country exported 341.4 thousand tons of melons, up by 11.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 305.7 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated the partner structure of Guatemala's melon exports in volume, consistently accounting for 96.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Guatemala's melon export value increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 133.7 million US dollars, reflecting a 2.2% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 130.8 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 5.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Guatemala's melon exports in value terms, holding a share of 98.6%.

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

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

Imports melons to Guatemala

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import volumes varied significantly, with a 11.2-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Guatemala imported 0.1 thousand tons of melons, equivalent to a 190.9% increase compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 81.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras (45.1% of import volume), the United States (23.9% of import volume), and Belgium (15.8% of import volume) were the key partners for Guatemala's melon imports in volume, together accounting for 84.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Import value peaked in 2017 and reached its lowest point in 2019, with a 32-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Guatemala imported 0.0 million US dollars worth of melons, reflecting a 894.4% gain compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 93.1%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, the United States (31.1% of import value), Belgium (27.9% of import value), and Honduras (9.6% of import value) were the main markets for Guatemala's melon imports in value terms, together accounting for 68.6% of total flows.

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

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