Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Asia demonstrated steady growth from 2018 to 2023, increasing from 17 140 thousand tonnes to 20 017 thousand tonnes. The market volume expanded consistently, with a brief stabilization in 2022 when output reached 19 725 thousand tonnes.

The rise in production to 20 017 thousand tonnes in 2023 aligned with the introduction of YieldPro 169, a high-vigor hybrid pumpkin seed launched by East-West Seed India for smallholder farmers. This agricultural innovation aimed to enhance yields and diversify product offerings. Concurrently, sustained consumer preference for kabocha squash in Japan helped maintain stable demand within a major national market.

Throughout the period, Asia remained the dominant global region for pumpkins, squash and gourds, accounting for nearly half of worldwide production and consumption. Underlying drivers included growing health awareness among consumers and continuous advancements in farming techniques, especially in leading countries such as China and India.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Asia

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

Asia's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 19 297 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate 4.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Asia's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have also increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 135.0 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp 74.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 148.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 35.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export destinations for pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Asia were quite diverse. Russia accounted for 18.9% of exports in kind, Romania for 3.1%, and Germany for 2.1%, together making up just 24.1% of total flows. The remaining 75.9% was distributed among a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Asia's export value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined in 2020. Exports totaled 116.1 million US dollars, down 3.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 58.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 120.3 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 36.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Romania, and Germany were the top buyers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Asia in value terms, but they did not dominate the market. Russia accounted for 20.6% of export value, Romania for 4.6%, and Germany for 3.9%, together representing 29.1% of total exports. The rest was spread across numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Asia's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached approximately 151.0 thousand tonnes in 2020, up 10.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The largest decline was seen in 2019, with a drop of 0.6%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, the import sources for pumpkins, squash, and gourds in Asia were varied. New Zealand contributed 32.8% of imports in kind, Mexico 11.1%, and Australia 1.5%, together accounting for 45.4% of total flows. A significant 54.6% came from many other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Asia's import value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds totaled 173.0 million US dollars, declining 2.3% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 162.9 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 177.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 8.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, New Zealand, Mexico, and Australia were the key partners for Asia's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms. New Zealand accounted for 33.8% of import value, Mexico for 17.1%, and Australia for 3.5%, jointly making up 54.4% of total flows.

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

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