Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Tonga

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Tonga increased from 18 540 tonnes to 20 621 tonnes. This overall growth occurred alongside a steady rise in domestic production, which reached 20 886 tonnes by 2023.

The market experienced notable volatility, particularly in 2019 when a surge in exports to 5 327 tonnes reduced domestic availability, pulling the market size down to 14 882 tonnes. Exports then fluctuated significantly in subsequent years, influencing year-to-year changes in local supply. By 2023, lower exports allowed the market to expand to its highest level in the period.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Tonga

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

Tonga's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 20 667 tons, marking a modest 2.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 3.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tonga in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Tonga

Exports in kind, t

The export market for pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Tonga experienced significant volatility during the observed period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tonga exported 1 352 tons, representing a sharp decline of 74.6% compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 327 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 237.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand were the primary markets for Tonga's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms. South Korea accounted for 56.9% of exports, Japan for 20.0%, and New Zealand for 19.2%. Together, these three countries represented 96.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Tonga showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The highest value was recorded in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2020, with a 4.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Tonga's exports totaled 587 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant drop of 76.1% from the previous year. The largest annual increase in value was 116.3% in 2019.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, South Korea and New Zealand dominated Tonga's export market in value terms, together accounting for 80.3% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among a variety of other countries.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Tonga

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Tonga displayed noticeable fluctuations. Volumes bottomed out in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 14.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tonga imported 0.1 tons, showing a decline of 44.7% compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was 0.2 tons in 2019, which also saw the largest annual increase of 804.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the sole source for Tonga's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, holding a 100.0% share of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values for pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Tonga were characterized by volatility. Values dropped to their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with an 11.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 0.1 thousand US dollars, marking a fall of 70.7% from 2019. The highest import value was 0.3 thousand US dollars in 2019, which also recorded the largest annual increase of 531.2%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, virtually all imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Tonga in value terms were linked to New Zealand, which accounted for 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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