Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash, and gourds in Bangladesh exhibited consistent growth from 2018 to 2023, with production increasing from 600 thousand tons to 769 thousand tons. This expansion was primarily driven by heightened domestic cultivation and market development, supported by the reliable yields of local varieties such as Bikrampuri and Baromashi, which averaged 20-25 metric tons per hectare. The ongoing expansion of production capacity further enabled output growth, solidifying Bangladesh's role as a key producer within Asia.

Growth in export volumes, which rose from 0.2 thousand tons to 5.8 thousand tons over the period, provided additional incentive for production. Concurrently, stable consumer demand for fresh and nutritious vegetables, including pumpkins for traditional culinary uses, underpinned the steady rise in domestic market volume, which reached 763 thousand tons by 2023.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh ranked 8th globally in the production volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

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

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

Bangladesh's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 671.3 K t, marking a gradual rise of 5.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.1%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 160 t, while the maximum value reached 3 780 t in 2019, representing a peak-to-trough amplitude of 24 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments from Bangladesh amounted to 1 710 t, indicating a decrease of 54.8% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 2 263.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia were the main destinations for Bangladesh's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind. Together, they accounted for 76.3% of total exports, with Qatar at 43.0%, Malaysia at 19.0%, and Saudi Arabia at 14.4%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 122 K $ US, while the highest value was registered in 2019 at 5 359 K $ US, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 44 times. In 2020, exports from Bangladesh totaled 2 676 K $ US, which is 50.1% lower than the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 50.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 4 302.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia stood out as the main markets for Bangladesh's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms. Together, they represented 76.7% of total flows, with Qatar at 55.1%, the United Arab Emirates at 11.6%, and Saudi Arabia at 10.1%.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 t, while the highest value was observed in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 30 times. In 2020, Bangladesh imported a total of 3 t, reflecting a sharp increase of 93.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 93.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Bangladesh, accounting for 94.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. From the low in 2019 at 1 K $ US to the high in 2017, import volumes varied 7.2 times. In 2020, Bangladesh's imports amounted to 2 K $ US, marking a sharp gain of 113.0% versus the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 84.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India and Thailand played leading roles in Bangladesh's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, with a combined share of 86.5% of total flows, while the remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

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