Watermelons and melons market in Guyana

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in Guyana saw significant volume changes from 2018 to 2020. In 2018, a notable expansion in harvested area supported production, leading to a market volume of 24 461 t. A contraction to 19 961 t followed in 2019, before a sharp recovery to 31 433 t in 2020.

Between 2021 and 2023, the market stabilized at a high level, with volume hovering around 32 000 t. It reached 32 484 t in 2022 before moderating to 29 975 t in 2023. During these years, exports diminished significantly while imports remained minimal.

In the later period, market developments included the 2024 emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices and improved packaging to maintain product quality. Furthermore, the 2025 Guyana-Suriname Agricultural Protocol facilitated fresh produce trade, and the local introduction of the new 'Sun Bao' watermelon variety diversified the product offering.

Production watermelons and melons in Guyana

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

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

Guyana's production of watermelons and melons has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 32 032 tonnes, marking a slight 1.5% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 27.8%, which translates to an average annual increase of 8.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 20 232 tonnes, when output fell by 19.3%. In contrast, 2020 saw the largest surge, with production jumping by 56.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Guyana in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports watermelons and melons from Guyana

Exports in kind, t

Exports of watermelons and melons from Guyana have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 111.6 tonnes, representing a sharp 35.5% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 81.9%, averaging an annual decline of 43.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Barbados was the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Guyana's watermelon and melon exports in kind, accounting for 97.5% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 17-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Guyana's watermelon and melon exports amounted to 143.0 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a sharp rise of 137.6% over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 60.2 thousand US dollars, when exports fell by 89.1%.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, the structure of exports in value terms was dominated by a single market: Barbados, which accounted for 99.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Guyana

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and hit their maximum in 2019, with a 9.1-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2021, imported watermelon and melon volumes in Guyana reached 26.6 tonnes, down by 26.5% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 43.2 tonnes, when imports surged by 805.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States accounted for almost all imports in kind of watermelons and melons to Guyana, with a share of 99.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Watermelon and melon imports into Guyana have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Guyana imported 39.8 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons and melons, representing a 54.5% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 376.9%, equating to an average annual rate of 68.3%.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, the structure of imports in value terms was dominated by a single market: the United States, with a share of 99.5% of total flows.

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

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