Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Eastern Asia expanded consistently from 7.99 million tons in 2018 to 8.34 million tons in 2021. This growth was initially fueled by high profitability in the pumpkin seed sector, which encouraged widespread planting by farmers and increased overall supply. Subsequently, the industry focused on technological progress and product diversification to meet rising consumer demand for healthy and tasty foods, further supporting market expansion.

After 2021, the market volume experienced a slight contraction to 8.20 million tons in 2022 and then stabilized in 2023. The 2022 dip coincided with noted market volatility and overcapacity issues within the pumpkin seed segment, which may have affected primary production. Concurrently, the rapid development of processed pumpkin products, such as pumpkin seed butter and oil, driven by both technology and industrial policy, helped maintain underlying demand for fresh pumpkins as raw material, contributing to market stability in 2023. The market value displayed greater fluctuations, declining sharply in 2021 and 2023, potentially reflecting shifts in price structures or a growing consumer and industrial focus on derived, value-added products rather than fresh sales alone.

Recent developments highlight continued industry evolution. In 2024, factors such as specific pumpkin price increases, climate effects on vegetable yields, and the granting of utility model patents for pumpkin seed products point to ongoing innovation and a focus on functional, branded goods. The global growth in pumpkin seed demand, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, also underscores the interconnected nature of the fresh and processed pumpkin markets in Eastern Asia.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Eastern 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

Eastern Asia's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 8,132 thousand tons, marking a 1.2% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest output was in 2018, at 7,882 thousand tons. That year also saw the smallest change, with production essentially flat. In contrast, 2019 recorded the largest increase, at 1.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds production in Eastern Asia has increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, output was valued at 7,353 million US dollars, showing a steady gain of 8.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the value grew by 34.6%, averaging 10.4% per year.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, the volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds exported from Eastern Asia declined in 2020. Exports totaled 30.1 thousand tons, a slight decrease of 2.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 2.9%, with an average annual rate of 1.0%. The peak was in 2019, at 31.0 thousand tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, accounting for 35.6% of export volumes, along with Asia (not elsewhere specified) at 12.6%, and Russia at 2.2%, formed the main cluster of markets. Together, these three destinations represented 50.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Eastern Asia have increased in value for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 27.2 million US dollars, up 4.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 34.3%, averaging 10.3% annually.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, no single market dominated the value of pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports from Eastern Asia. Vietnam held 27.5% of export value, Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounted for 6.7%, and Russia made up 2.3%. Combined, these three markets represented 36.4% of total exports, with many smaller partners each contributing modest shares.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds by volume have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 140.5 thousand tons, a moderate contraction of 6.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018, at 140.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase, at 6.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and Mexico were the primary sources for imports by volume, jointly accounting for 88.6% of total flows. Other partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Eastern Asia imported approximately 100.0 million US dollars worth of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, indicating a reduction of 6.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 3.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports by value were heavily oriented toward New Zealand and Mexico, whose combined share reached 87.1% of total flows. Other destinations played a secondary role.

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

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