Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The ASEAN market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds saw physical volume grow from 871 thousand tons in 2018 to 947.6 thousand tons in 2023, despite year-to-year fluctuations. In value terms, the market contracted from $622.7 million to $449.8 million over the same period, indicating substantial price pressures or a shift in the product mix.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and market development in 2020-2022, contributing to the sharp drop in market value in 2020. Underlying demand, supported by culinary traditions, nutritional awareness, and an expanding health-conscious middle class in the region, helped maintain physical consumption volumes throughout the period.

Import volumes surged in 2021 and remained elevated, influenced by global trade flows and regional demand. A broader inflationary environment with higher production and logistics costs exacerbated the divergence between steady physical volume growth and declining market value.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

ASEAN's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 960 thousand tonnes, marking a slight year-on-year rise of 0.7%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 4.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.4%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 872 thousand tonnes, with the sharpest drop that year at 13.0%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production growing by 9.3%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

ASEAN's cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 25 567 tonnes, reflecting a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 580.6%, averaging an impressive annual growth rate of 89.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Japan were the core markets for ASEAN's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms. China accounted for 46.2% of exports, South Korea for 3.2%, and Japan for 0.6%. Together, these three countries represented 50.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market performance for ASEAN's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the export value reached 10 617 thousand US dollars, but this represented a significant decline of 24.1% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 994 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 94.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, South Korea, and Japan emerged as the main markets for ASEAN's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports in value terms. China contributed 36.1% of the export value, South Korea 7.7%, and Japan 1.4%. Collectively, these three markets made up 45.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, ASEAN's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds stood at 9 650 tonnes, indicating a moderate year-on-year decrease of 9.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 56.9%, averaging an annual decline of 24.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 9 316 tonnes, which also experienced the steepest drop of 58.4%. However, 2019 saw a rebound with the largest increase of 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Australia, and India remained the primary suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to ASEAN in volume terms. China supplied 8.0% of imports, Australia 7.7%, and India 3.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 19.3% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ASEAN's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 23 543 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate uptick of 4.0% from 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 3%, equating to an average annual rate of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 22 542 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, ASEAN's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms were widely dispersed across various partner countries. Australia led with 19.3% of imports, followed by China at 9.5%, and India at 8.2%. Combined, these three suppliers represented 37.1% of total import flows.

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

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