Watermelons and melons market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in Lebanon demonstrated relative stability from 2018 to 2023, with total consumption volume fluctuating within a narrow range of 86 848 to 88 602 tons. After reaching a peak of 88 602 tons in 2020, the market volume gradually contracted, ending the period at 86 848 tons in 2023. Year-to-year movements were moderate, reflecting a consistent level of domestic demand for these fruits throughout the six-year span.

By 2024, specific local factors began shaping the market environment. Persistent security tensions along the border with Israel affected distribution, as some vendors avoided high-risk areas for selling produce. Concurrently, rising agricultural costs prompted a number of farmers to reduce watermelon cultivation in favor of other crops. These developments occurred alongside an evolution in consumer tastes, with growing interest in newer varieties such as yellow watermelons and smaller apple melons.

Production watermelons and melons in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Lebanon's production of watermelons and melons rebounded in 2020 after two years of decline. The country produced 88 422 tonnes, marking a 4.0% increase from 2019. Production had hit its lowest point in 2019 at 85 040 tonnes, following the largest decline of 3.3% in 2018.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's exports of watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 2 000 tonnes. This represented an 8.5% gain over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 409.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 72.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kuwait and Qatar were the primary destinations for Lebanon's exports in volume, together accounting for 85.7% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lebanon's exports of watermelons and melons in value terms increased for the third year in a row in 2020, totaling 704 thousand US dollars. This was a 38.4% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 195.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Lebanon's exports in value were Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Together, they captured 94.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of watermelons and melons into Lebanon showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, imports peaked at 5 113 tonnes, but then dropped sharply to 2 180 tonnes in 2020, a 57.4% year-on-year decline. The lowest point was in 2018 at 1 929 tonnes, resulting in a 2.7-fold fluctuation between the high of 2019 and the low of 2018. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 165.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Egypt and Jordan were the main sources of imports in volume for Lebanon, jointly making up 87.0% of total imports. The rest came from various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Lebanon's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms fell to 984 thousand US dollars, down 61.1% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 531 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 67.7%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 51.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 21.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt and Jordan continued to dominate Lebanon's imports in value, jointly representing 85.8% of total import flows. Other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

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