Melons market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

Melon production in Lebanon reached 21,270 tons in 2018 with a market volume of 21,643 tons, partly supported by the government's launch of large-scale irrigation projects and steps to restrict dangerous pesticides. However, in 2019, rising farming costs prompted growers in areas like Adloun to switch to other crops, leading to a drop in production to 18,639 tons and market volume to 19,399 tons.

Production rebounded to 21,619 tons in 2020 but then declined to 20,509 tons in 2021 and remained around 20,256 tons in 2022. Market volume followed a similar path, reaching 21,566 tons in 2020, then falling to 20,639 tons in 2021 and edging up to 20,711 tons in 2022.

In 2023, output rose to 20,794 tons and market volume to 21,009 tons. By 2024, melon cultivation in southern Lebanon faced border security tensions, while a restaurant sector boom created potential for increased demand for local fruit.

Production melons in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Lebanon's melon production rebounded in 2020 after two consecutive years of decline. The country produced 21 619 tonnes of melons that year, marking a solid 16.0% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 18 639 tonnes, while the sharpest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lebanon in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

The export market for melons showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 71.2 tonnes, while exports peaked in 2020 at 210.2 tonnes - representing a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, exports increased by 16.6% compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018 at 32.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 153.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia consistently remained Lebanon's primary export destinations for melons by volume. Kuwait accounted for 46.0% of exports, Qatar for 26.1%, and Saudi Arabia for 13.4%. Together, these three countries represented 85.5% of Lebanon's total melon exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of melon exports displayed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 73.3 thousand US dollars, while exports reached their peak in 2020 at 152.5 thousand US dollars - showing a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export value surged by 79.2% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 22.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia formed the core markets for Lebanon's melon exports by value. Qatar accounted for 38.8% of export value, Kuwait for 27.1%, and Saudi Arabia for 12.6%. Collectively, these three destinations represented 78.5% of Lebanon's total melon export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports melons to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Melon imports to Lebanon followed an unstable trend throughout this period. Imports reached their highest point in 2019 at 940.0 tonnes, then dropped sharply to their lowest point in 2020 at 158.0 tonnes - representing a 5.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports decreased dramatically by 83.2% compared to 2019. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019 at 111.6%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Jordan and Egypt remained Lebanon's key sources for melon imports by volume. Together, these two countries accounted for 81.7% of Lebanon's total melon imports, with other partners making up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of melon imports exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Imports reached their peak in 2019 at 574.1 thousand US dollars, then fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 82.2 thousand US dollars - showing a sevenfold difference between these years. In 2020, import value dropped sharply by 85.7% compared to 2019. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan, Egypt, and Oman were Lebanon's primary sources for melon imports by value. Jordan accounted for 62.2% of import value, Egypt for 17.2%, and Oman for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 86.5% of Lebanon's total melon import value during this period.

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

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