Watermelons and melons market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh watermelons and melons in Central Asia contracted in 2019, falling to 4 779 thousand tons. Despite this decline, the segment showed underlying development, exemplified by Turkmenistan where around 400 varieties of melons and watermelons were cultivated, indicating a rich diversity and seasonal abundance.

From 2020, the market entered a phase of sustained expansion. That year, high market dynamics and active trade, coupled with gradually declining prices, supported stable consumer behavior and aided recovery to 4 896 thousand tons. Growth accelerated in 2021, reaching 5 282 thousand tons. The upward trend continued into 2022, bolstered by Uzbekistan's move to supply frozen and dried melons to international markets, which increased demand for fresh produce. By 2023, the market volume rose to 5 780 thousand tons, driven by venture capital investments in agricultural technology in Uzbekistan and enhanced phytosanitary controls in Kyrgyzstan that improved product safety and consumer confidence.

In 2024, a recovery in demand was observed across the region, with major suppliers including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Seasonal factors and increased supply led to significant price reductions in Kazakhstan, reflecting ongoing market vitality.

Production watermelons and melons in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

Central Asia's production of watermelons and melons rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the region produced 5 098 K t, marking a 3.2% increase from 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 940 K t, which saw the largest annual decline of 3.7%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3%, averaging a 1.0% annual decline.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Central Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Central Asia's exports of watermelons and melons grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 222.6 K t, a sharp 32.4% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 54%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the dominant destination for Central Asia's watermelon and melon exports, accounting for 75.6% of the total volume. The remaining exports were distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Central Asia's watermelon and melon exports rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 63 753 K $ US, a significant 40.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 32 724 K $ US, which experienced the largest annual decline of 26.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 43.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine were the main markets for Central Asia's watermelon and melon exports in value terms. Russia led with 68.8%, followed by Belarus at 3.1% and Ukraine at 2.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Central Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Central Asia's imports of watermelons and melons increased for the third straight year. In 2020, imports stood at 20.9 K t, a dramatic 214.0% jump from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 639.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 94.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia was the clear leader in Central Asia's watermelon and melon imports by volume, with a share of 2.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Imports reached their lowest level in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with the peak value 7.4 times higher than the lowest. In 2020, Central Asia's watermelon and melon imports from abroad amounted to 19 019 K $ US, a steep 322.6% increase from the previous year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Pakistan consistently represented the largest portion of Central Asia's watermelon and melon imports in value terms, together accounting for 3.7% of total flows.

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

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