Watermelons and melons market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for watermelons and melons in Malaysia remained stable at around 89 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, then increased to 96.3 thousand tons in 2020. A decline to 91.7 thousand tons followed in 2021, coinciding with the implementation of the National Agrifood Policy 2021-2030, which aimed to strengthen the agrifood value chain, but was countered by labor shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions that hampered production.

Market volume rebounded to 102.9 thousand tons in 2022 and reached 105.7 thousand tons in 2023. This growth occurred alongside a falling self-sufficiency ratio for watermelons, indicating greater reliance on imports to meet domestic demand. The period saw the launch of Malaysia's first premium fragrant watermelon farm, supported by MARDI and FAMA, targeting higher-quality production for export markets. Increased use of fertigation systems for rock melon cultivation, rising by 12% over five years, reflected technological adoption to boost yields.

The agricultural sector's growth, including for watermelons and melons, began to slow from 2023 onward, as noted in policy documents. Ongoing challenges such as labor shortages and climate variability continued to affect productivity, while government programs emphasized compliance with international standards and good agricultural practices to maintain market access.

Production watermelons and melons in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

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

Malaysia's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 127.9 thousand tons of these fruits, marking a 4.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 14.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Malaysia's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 45 573 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 1.9% drop year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 17.6%, with an average annual decline of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

Malaysia's exports of watermelons and melons have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volume reached 43 068 tons, showing a modest decline of 5.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 32.9%, averaging an annual drop of 12.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore remained the primary market for Malaysia's exports in volume terms, accounting for 83.8% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Malaysia's exports of watermelons and melons have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 15 346 thousand US dollars, which is 2.2% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 35%, equating to an average annual decrease of 13.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the structure of exports in value terms was dominated by Singapore, which absorbed 74.9% of total flows. The rest was shared among a large number of minor partners.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Malaysia's imports of watermelons and melons showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2019, imports surged by 70.1%, reaching a peak of 7 394 tons in 2020. By 2021, imports had declined to 6 869 tons, representing a 7.1% decrease from the previous year. Overall, from 2019 to 2020, the volume varied by a factor of 2.2.

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

From 2018 to 2021, imports of watermelons and melons to Malaysia were heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 82.7% of total flows in volume terms. Other countries together made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Malaysia's imports of watermelons and melons have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 7 486 thousand US dollars, which is 4.0% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 107%, with an average annual increase of 27.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the country structure of imports in value terms was dominated by China, which accounted for 78.6% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small amounts.

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

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