Watermelons and melons market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in the GCC expanded significantly in 2019, reaching 1 276.7 thousand tons, driven by continued emphasis on food security and support for local production through state-owned companies and sustainable agriculture initiatives. This growth was supported by increases in both domestic output and imports. However, in 2020, the market contracted to 1 091.5 thousand tons, primarily due to a sharp drop in production.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, with the market volume rebounding to 1 275.2 thousand tons. This turnaround was fueled by increased investments in smart farming technologies and enhanced sustainable agriculture infrastructure, which boosted local production. The subsequent years saw moderate adjustments; in 2022, new packaging requirements and a growing consumer preference for high-quality fresh products introduced changes in supply chain dynamics, while the market volume edged down to 1 235.4 thousand tons. By 2023, further investments in cold chain logistics and rising demand for organic and value-added produce accompanied a market size of 1 196.4 thousand tons.

Looking ahead to 2024, GCC policies continue to prioritize food self-sufficiency and local production encouragement, with reported growth in plant production and improved regional trade integration facilitating the movement of goods. Import volumes remained substantial, indicating sustained market activity.

Production watermelons and melons in GCC

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 years of growth, watermelon and melon production in the GCC declined. In 2020, production reached 670.3 K t, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 19.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 836.0 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 7.6%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest exports were recorded in 2018 at 7.4 K t, while the highest were in 2020 at 44.8 K t, reflecting a 6.1-fold gap. In 2020, GCC exported 44.8 K t of watermelons and melons, corresponding to a 267.9% increase over the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 36.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka played leading roles in the GCC's watermelon and melon exports in kind. Iraq accounted for 4.0% of exports, Afghanistan for 3.2%, and Sri Lanka for 0.6%, jointly representing 7.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

GCC's watermelon and melon export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 30.8 M $ US, reflecting a sharp rise of 71.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 263.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 53.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United States were the principal destinations for GCC watermelon and melon exports in value terms. Afghanistan accounted for 11.9% of exports, Iraq for 3.0%, and the United States for 0.5%, jointly representing 15.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign watermelon and melon supplies to the GCC increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, GCC imported 466.0 K t, which is 2.9% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 37.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Jordan, and India formed the core group of markets for GCC watermelon and melon imports in kind. Iran accounted for 59.1% of imports, Jordan for 10.8%, and India for 10.5%, together representing 80.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, GCC's watermelon and melon import value totaled 159.2 M $ US, representing a gradual decline of 6.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 10.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 137.0 M $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 170.7 M $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 24.6%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Iran, Jordan, and India headed the ranking of suppliers of watermelons and melons to the GCC in value terms. Iran accounted for 25.9% of imports, Jordan for 14.8%, and India for 12.3%, with their combined share reaching 53.0% of total imports.

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

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