Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in CIS experienced a gradual contraction, falling from 1 515 тыс. т to 1 429 тыс. т. The decline in 2020 was notably influenced by pandemic-related logistics disruptions and import constraints due to COVID-19, which affected supply chains. Concurrently, state-owned companies and large agroholdings began increasing investments in greenhouse vegetable production, aiming to boost domestic output, though these efforts took time to materialize.

Market volume stabilized in 2021 at 1 429 тыс. т, supported by growing consumer preference for healthy eating and fresh vegetables, alongside the ongoing expansion of greenhouse complexes. However, in 2022, sanctions and geopolitical events caused significant disruptions to international fresh vegetable supplies, reducing imports and contributing to a further market decline to 1 356 тыс. т. The push for import substitution and continued investment in production capacity by state-backed entities helped moderate the drop.

A recovery occurred in 2023, with market volume rising to 1 410 тыс. т. This rebound was driven by record-high greenhouse vegetable production in Russia, facilitated by the launch and modernization of facilities by major state and private companies. Strengthened consumer demand for fresh, locally grown produce and the emergence of organic vegetable segments provided additional support, while tighter product labeling and traceability regulations reshaped market operations.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in CIS

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

CIS production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, output reached its peak at 1 468 K t, marking a 5.5% increase. By 2020, production had fallen to 1 385 K t, representing a 4.1% drop compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds production in CIS also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, it peaked at 1 090 M $ US, with a significant 31.8% increase. By 2020, the value had decreased to 793 M $ US, down 23.1% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 4.1%, averaging an annual decline of 1.4%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from CIS

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, exports peaked at 7 096 t, surging by 141.5%. By 2020, they had dropped sharply to 2 771 t, a 46.4% decrease from 2019. The fluctuation between the 2018 high and 2020 low was 2.6 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine was the leading buyer of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from CIS, accounting for 12.5% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced notable fluctuations. In 2018, they reached a high of 5 269 K $ US, jumping by 201.7%. By 2020, exports had fallen to 1 587 K $ US, down 57.0% year-over-year. The range from the 2018 peak to the 2020 low spanned 3.3 times.

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

During 2017–2020, Ukraine remained the primary export destination in value terms, representing 11.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to CIS

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to CIS declined. In 2018, imports increased by 31.7%, and they peaked in 2019 at 56 634 t. By 2020, imports had dropped to 47 335 t, a 16.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 16.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Iran were the main sources of imports in volume for CIS. Turkey accounted for 57.9%, China for 16.7%, and Iran for 3.6%, together making up 78.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, imports in value terms declined. In 2018, imports rose by 32.7%, reaching a peak in 2019 at 44 405 K $ US. By 2020, imports had fallen to 37 076 K $ US, down 16.5% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 23.8%, averaging 7.4% annual growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey and China dominated imports in value, together accounting for 84.6% of the total, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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