Melons market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh melon market in Southern Asia saw steady expansion, with its volume rising from 3.0 million tons in 2018 to over 3.6 million tons by 2023. The most notable surge occurred in 2020, when consumption jumped by 14% to 3.6 million tons, likely reflecting broader shifts in agricultural supply chains and demand during that period. Growth then moderated, with the market stabilizing around 3.6–3.7 million tons through 2023.

By 2024, key developments began influencing the sector. The introduction of new high-yielding, abiotic stress-tolerant melon varieties extended the fresh market season from March to November, enhancing production potential in hot arid regions. Concurrently, agricultural marketing reforms, including the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce Act of 2020, facilitated barrier-free interstate trade, improving market access for growers. These changes were coupled with rising consumer preference for fresh, locally sourced produce and the expansion of e-commerce platforms, which supported overall demand.

Production melons in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Melon production in Southern Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3 762 K t of melons, marking a 15.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 195 K t, with the largest decline of 11.4% occurring that same year.

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

Exports melons from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 210.6 K t of melons, representing a 41.9% increase year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.4%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 with a 90.0% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates remained the primary export partners for melons in kind, jointly accounting for 81.6% of total export flows. The remaining share was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Exports in value terms varied significantly, with a 2.3-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 40 043 K $ US worth of melons, which represented a sharp decline of 37.4% from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 70 876 K $ US, with the largest increase of 131.8% occurring that same year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates were the main destinations for melon exports in value terms, together capturing 83.3% of total export flows. The remaining share was divided among other markets.

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

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

Imports melons to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Southern Asia's melon imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 3.7 K t of melons, up by 5.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 151%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 35.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the United Arab Emirates (4.7% of imports in kind), Oman (1.3%), and Thailand (1.0%) formed the main group of sources for melon imports to Southern Asia. Together, these three countries accounted for 7.0% of total import flows in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Southern Asia's melon imports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 5 882 K $ US, reflecting a 6.8% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 46%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 13.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 356 K $ US, with the largest decline of 16.7% occurring that year. The most significant increase was observed in 2019, with a 64.1% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (33.7% of imports in value terms), Thailand (10.1%), and Australia (5.6%) were important suppliers of melons to Southern Asia. However, their combined share reached only 49.5% of total imports in value terms, with the remaining 50.5% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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