Watermelons and melons market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

Production of watermelons and melons in Azerbaijan rose significantly from 401.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 447.6 thousand tons in 2019, driven by the implementation of the state-approved Strategic Roadmap for agricultural production and processing. This policy encouraged the development of farmer cooperatives and contract farming, which supported expanded cultivation and increased the market volume to 444.0 thousand tons.

Output continued to grow steadily, reaching 469.3 thousand tons by 2022. This expansion was reinforced by a sharp increase in export opportunities, with watermelon and melon shipments more than doubling as access to foreign markets widened. Concurrently, the emphasis on adopting modern agricultural technologies to address climate and water resource challenges helped sustain yield levels through the period.

Production fell to 438.2 thousand tons in 2023, reducing the market volume to 424.6 thousand tons. While consumer demand for fresh and eco-friendly products remained strong, later reports highlighted climate and water resource factors as pressures on vegetable and melon yields. Export values continued to show significant growth into 2025, indicating sustained external demand despite these domestic production challenges.

Production watermelons and melons in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

Azerbaijan's production of watermelons and melons has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 459.9 thousand tons, marking a 2.6% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports watermelons and melons from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

Azerbaijan's exports of watermelons and melons have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 12 664 tons, showing a sharp rise of 180.1% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 3 945.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 243.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia were the main buyers of watermelons and melons from Azerbaijan. Russia accounted for 48.8% of exports in volume, Ukraine for 25.1%, and Georgia for 20.6%. Together, these three countries made up 94.5% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Azerbaijan's exports of watermelons and melons in value terms have grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 5 355 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant increase of 154.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 5 435.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 281.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Russia dominated the export market in value terms, holding an 82.3% share of total flows. Other markets played a smaller role in the overall structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021

Imports watermelons and melons to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

The import market for watermelons and melons in Azerbaijan showed notable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 354 tons, with a decline of 73.3% that year. However, in 2020, imports rebounded sharply, increasing by 147.5%. By 2021, imports reached 986 tons, up 12.5% from the previous year. The difference between the peak and trough from 2018 to 2019 was 3.7 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Iran and Georgia were the primary sources for imports in volume, together accounting for 86.6% of total imports. Other destinations contributed smaller shares to the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms displayed an unstable trend over these years. In 2019, imports fell to their lowest level at 209 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 63.5%. In 2020, imports saw a strong recovery, rising by 166.3%. By 2021, imports reached 636 thousand US dollars, showing a robust gain of 14.1% compared to 2020. The highest value was recorded in 2021, while the lowest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, Iran and Georgia remained the key markets for imports in value terms, jointly making up 84.7% of total flows. Other partners accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021