Melons market in Melanesia

Earlier Report Observations

The melon market in Melanesia began the 2018-2023 period with a high volume of 1 058.7 tons in 2018. That year, the participation of melon growers' syndicates in the international MEDFEL trade fair supported the structuring of the local industry through the development of common standards, which helped coordinate production and market organization.

Market volume subsequently entered a volatile phase, declining to 843.2 tons in 2020 before recovering to 969.3 tons in 2021. The upward movement continued into 2022, with volume reaching 992.7 tons, though it remained below the 2018 peak.

In 2023, the market contracted again to 950.5 tons, resulting in an overall reduction of 10.2% over the six-year period. This trajectory reflected a gradual decrease in domestic production alongside fluctuations in import volumes, which together influenced total market supply.

Production melons in Melanesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Melanesia's melon production volume increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, the region produced 673.2 t of melons, marking a gradual 3.3% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 651.5 t, with the largest year-over-year drop of 13.5% also occurring that year.

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

Exports melons from Melanesia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 t, while the highest was reached in 2020 at 1.6 t, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 161 times. In 2020, melon exports from Melanesia surged by 16 034.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 91.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Nauru, Australia, and Canada—collectively accounted for 65.8% of Melanesia's total melon exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 K $ US, while the peak occurred in 2017, with a 56-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Melanesia's melon exports totaled 0.6 K $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 2 542.2% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 90.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, Nauru (16.4% of export value), Canada (4.8%), and India (4.5%) were notable buyers of melons from Melanesia, but their combined share reached only 25.7% of total exports in value terms, indicating they did not dominate the market.

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

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

Imports melons to Melanesia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, foreign melon supplies to Melanesia amounted to 171.6 t, showing a dramatic 49.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports fell by 52.7%, with an average annual decline of 22.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia nearly defined the geographical structure of melon imports to Melanesia, holding a 94.8% share of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of melons to Melanesia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 243.2 K $ US, indicating a steep 51.6% year-over-year drop. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 65.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 29.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Australia played a dominant role in Melanesia's melon imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 91.1% of total flows.

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

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