Melons market in Western Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The melon market in Western Asia grew from 2.45 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 2.65 million tons in 2021, before declining to 2.19 million tons in 2023. Domestic production followed a similar trajectory, increasing from 2.29 million tons to 2.43 million tons in 2020, then falling sharply to 1.92 million tons by 2023.

Imports rose steadily from 191 000 tons to 294 000 tons over the period, partially compensating for the drop in production. Exports remained modest, ranging from 21 000 to 32 000 tons between 2018 and 2023. In 2024, imports reached 305 000 tons while exports jumped to 47 000 tons.

Production melons in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Western Asia's melon production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 429 thousand tons of melons, marking a modest increase of 1.8% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 287 thousand tons. That year also saw the largest decline, with a drop of 1.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase, with production climbing by 4.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of melon production in Western Asia reached 2 532 million US dollars, up by 10.8% compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 23.1%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 617 million US dollars. That year also saw the largest increase, with a jump of 27.2%. However, 2019 experienced the most substantial decline, with a decrease of 12.7%.

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

Exports melons from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Melon exports from Western Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 31.6 thousand tons, reflecting a significant rise of 10.7% from the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports actually decreased by 7.2%, averaging an annual decline of 2.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 25.2 thousand tons. That year also saw the largest drop, with a decline of 25.8%. In contrast, 2019 posted the biggest increase, with exports growing by 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of melon exports from Western Asia was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 4.4% of exports in volume, Romania for 3.6%, and Russia for 2.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 10.0% of total export flows, while the remaining 90.0% was spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Western Asia's melon export value rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 32.9 million US dollars, which is 20.6% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 8.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 27.3 million US dollars. That year also saw the largest decline, with a drop of 5.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan, Germany, and Romania played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of melons from Western Asia in value terms. Afghanistan accounted for 5.9% of export value, Germany for 5.1%, and Romania for 4.2%. Their combined share reached just 15.2% of total export value, indicating a broad distribution among other markets.

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

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

Imports melons to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, melon imports into Western Asia totaled 226.9 thousand tons, representing a dramatic increase of 37.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 97.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 25.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 13.3%. Conversely, 2018 saw the most significant increase, with imports jumping by 66.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, India, and Honduras were the primary sources for melon imports into Western Asia in volume terms. Iran dominated with 68.7% of imports, followed by India at 4.3% and Honduras at 2.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 75.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Western Asia's melon import value has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 85.6 million US dollars, marking a solid decrease of 14.7% from the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value still increased by 8.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 105.6 million US dollars. That year also saw the largest increase, with a rise of 33.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran, India, and Honduras accounted for the largest shares of melon import value into Western Asia. Iran led with 44.3% of import value, while India and Honduras each contributed 5.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 56.1% of total import flows.

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

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