Melons market in Sudan

Earlier Report Observations

The melon market in Sudan showed relative stability from 2018 to 2023, with annual volumes fluctuating between 39 675 t and 41 382 t. The period was marked by a mix of external drivers and domestic agricultural developments that shaped production and local availability.

Initial growth was supported by rising demand from European markets and the encouragement of cultivation in semi-desert regions. However, unfavorable weather conditions in 2019 reduced yields, leading to a market contraction. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted export supply chains, which curbed overseas shipments but simultaneously boosted local demand for vitamin-rich healthy produce, aiding market recovery.

In the following years, continued pandemic-related logistics constraints and increased investment in agricultural infrastructure helped stabilize output. By 2022, the introduction of new packaging requirements for exports and currency exchange rate fluctuations raised production costs, contributing to a slight dip in production before the market resumed modest growth in 2023.

Production melons in Sudan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

In 2019, Sudan's melon production reached its lowest point at 40 004 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, production increased to 40 704 tonnes, marking a 1.7% rise compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 41 493 tonnes. The most significant year-on-year decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.6% drop, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 with a 3.5% growth.

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

Exports melons from Sudan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Export volumes bottomed out in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with the peak value being 7.9 times higher than the lowest point. In 2020, Sudan exported 246.7 tonnes of melons, representing a sharp 25.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 329.2 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 197.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain were the primary destinations for Sudan's melon exports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 54.5% of exports, Kuwait for 17.3%, and Bahrain for 8.3%. Together, these three markets represented 80.2% of Sudan's total melon export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market demonstrated notable volatility throughout the observed years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and their highest in 2019, with the peak value being 49 times greater than the lowest. In 2020, Sudan's melon exports were valued at 146.0 thousand US dollars, showing a steep 71.8% decline from the previous year. The maximum export value was recorded in 2019 at 517.3 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year increase of 1 481.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait dominated Sudan's melon exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia and Qatar each accounted for 39.7% of exports, while Kuwait represented 12.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 91.6% of Sudan'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 Sudan in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons to Sudan

Market analysis indicates that Sudan did not import any melons from 2017 to 2020.