Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Hong Kong

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Hong Kong experienced considerable volatility. After increasing to 2 775 t in 2019, the market contracted over the next two years, falling to 1 829 t in 2021. Domestic production remained stable at approximately 240 t annually, meaning these shifts were primarily driven by changes in trade flows.

The market rebounded to 2 347 t in 2022, coinciding with a rise in imports. This recovery aligned with Hong Kong's role as a commercial destination for exports of these goods from Mexico, which likely contributed to increased supply. In contrast, 2023 saw a sharp decline in market volume to 1 211 t. This occurred alongside continued regional trade activity, including the first exports of mini pumpkins from South Korea to Singapore and significant international sales from Mexican states to various destinations, including Hong Kong.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Hong Kong

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Hong Kong's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output reached 241.7 t, showing only minor fluctuations compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a 0.0% change.

Annual dynamics of production in Hong Kong in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Hong Kong

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 34-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Hong Kong's export volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds was 376 t, reflecting a sharp drop of 68.9% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 212 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 1 485.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was overwhelmingly the main destination for Hong Kong's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind, accounting for 97.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The span from 2017 to 2019 exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 18 times. In 2020, Hong Kong's export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds amounted to 373 K $ US, marking a drop of 65.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 086 K $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 767.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China almost entirely determined the geographical structure of Hong Kong's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, with a share of 90.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Hong Kong

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, foreign supplies of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Hong Kong declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 435 t, down by 35.0% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 16.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 746 t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 36.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan (50.7% of imports in kind), New Zealand (26.3% of imports in kind), and Australia (5.9% of imports in kind) made the biggest contribution to imports in kind, jointly accounting for 82.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds imports to Hong Kong declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 4 804 K $ US, down by 24.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 721 K $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 18.1%.

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

In 2017–2020, Japan accounted for 73.7% of total imports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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