Watermelons and melons market in Cuba

Earlier Report Observations

The production and market volume of fresh watermelons and melons in Cuba declined steadily from 126 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 84 thousand tonnes in 2023. This contraction was primarily driven by adverse climatic and agricultural conditions that affected crop yields and quality throughout the period. Additionally, the global COVID-19 pandemic introduced supply chain and logistical disruptions from 2020 onward, further pressuring production levels.

Meanwhile, export and import prices for fresh melons showed a consistent upward trend, with export prices rising from $2.45 per kg in 2018 to $2.90 per kg in 2021, and import prices increasing from $0.45 to $0.80 per kg over the same span. These rising costs reflected broader market pressures but did not reverse the production decline. The market remained characterized by state-owned enterprises involved in production and distribution, with no significant reported changes in regulatory policies, market access, or the entry of new players.

Production watermelons and melons in Cuba

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Cuba's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 106 134 tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 6.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 7.9%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Cuba

Exports in kind, t

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

From 2017 to 2020, Cuba's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with Dominica and Mexico together accounting for 100.0% of the total volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Dominica and Mexico dominated Cuba's export value for watermelons and melons, jointly representing 100.0% of the total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Cuba

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 6.4 tonnes, while in 2019, they peaked at 234.7 tonnes, showing a 37-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments to Cuba totaled 46.0 tonnes, indicating a sharp decline of 80.4% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 3 578.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica and Mexico were the primary suppliers of watermelons and melons to Cuba, together making up 99.9% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. In 2018, imports hit a low of 9.2 thousand US dollars, while in 2019, they reached a high of 480.5 thousand US dollars, representing a 52-fold difference. In 2020, Cuba imported 74.5 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons and melons, showing a decline of 84.5% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a jump of 5 142.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Mexico and Costa Rica jointly accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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