Watermelons and melons market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh watermelons and melons in the Dominican Republic experienced strong growth between 2018 and 2023, with its volume more than doubling from 408.3 thousand tons to 869.0 thousand tons. This expansion was particularly pronounced from 2022 onward, driven by a significant rise in domestic production. Watermelon output, for instance, surged from 9.7 million quintals in 2021 to 14.1 million quintals in 2022, a major contributor to the overall market growth.

In 2020, the government's declaration of the Year of Food Consolidation and the launch of MERCADOM's strategic institutional plan for 2020-2024 aimed to consolidate the supply of fresh produce. These initiatives improved distribution and market access for fruits by involving individual producers, associations, and cooperatives in centers like Merca Santo Domingo, which helped stabilize the market during a period of slight contraction and supported the subsequent recovery.

Production remains geographically established across 11 provinces for melons and 9 for watermelons. Furthermore, specific market opportunities in Central America for Dominican watermelons have been identified, linked to export quotas toward the United States, indicating ongoing external market development alongside robust domestic production growth.

Production watermelons and melons in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

After two consecutive years of growth, watermelon and melon production in the Dominican Republic declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 469.2 thousand tons, marking a significant 14.5% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 457.8 thousand tons, representing a 2.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of watermelon and melon production in the Dominican Republic stood at 676.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.8% increase from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 714.3 million US dollars, while the lowest occurred in 2019 at 639.1 million US dollars, which saw a 10.5% decline. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 4.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, watermelon and melon exports from the Dominican Republic declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 1 876 tons, showing a 36.2% increase. However, by 2020, exports had dropped to 828 tons, a sharp 55.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 35.4%, with an average annual decline of 13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and Haiti were the primary destinations for Dominican Republic's watermelon and melon exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 28.3% of exports, France for 25.6%, and Haiti for 19.0%. Together, these three countries absorbed 72.9% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of gains, the value of watermelon and melon exports from the Dominican Republic declined. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 2 556 thousand US dollars, with a 6.4% increase. By 2020, exports had fallen to 1 223 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 52.2% year-on-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 46%, with an average annual decline of 18.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Jamaica were the key markets for Dominican Republic's watermelon and melon exports in value terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 77.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 46 tons, with a 94.6% decline. In 2019, imports surged by 93.6%, and by 2020, they had increased to 119 tons, marking a 35.4% gain compared to the previous year. The maximum import volume in 2017 was 19 times higher than the minimum in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, the United States, and Chile were the main sources of watermelon and melon imports to the Dominican Republic in volume terms. Guatemala accounted for 21.0% of imports, the United States for 1.5%, and Chile for 0.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 23.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports bottomed out in 2018 at 35 thousand US dollars, with a 95.2% decline. In 2019, imports increased by 44.8%, and by 2020, they had risen to 66 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 30.9% increase from the previous year. The peak import value in 2017 was 21 times higher than the low in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for watermelon and melon imports to the Dominican Republic in value terms were Guatemala, the United States, and Chile. Guatemala accounted for 14.2% of imports, the United States for 2.5%, and Chile for 1.0%. Together, these three countries made up 17.8% of total import flows.

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

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