Watermelons and melons market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for watermelons and melons in Morocco showed variability, reaching a peak of 1 056 thousand tons in 2021. Early in the period, Morocco established itself as the world's third-largest watermelon producer, supporting substantial output. Production growth in 2021 was driven by the expansion of cultivated areas in regions like Taroudant, where watermelons replaced citrus orchards. However, the market faced challenges such as drought and the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which temporarily disrupted early commercialization.

From 2022 onward, the market volume declined significantly, falling to 609 thousand tons by 2023. High production costs, particularly related to irrigation methods, made cultivation less profitable, leading to reduced planting. In 2023, water conservation measures were implemented in Zagora province, restricting watermelon cultivation to preserve water resources, which further curtailed production. Additionally, unfavorable weather conditions in some regions affected melon yields, contributing to the overall decrease in supply.

Production watermelons and melons in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco ranked 18th globally in the production of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Morocco produced 1 182.2 thousand tonnes of watermelons and melons, representing an 11.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 065.4 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 1 243.2 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production fell by 14.3%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Morocco

Exports in kind, K t

Morocco's exports of watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 305.1 thousand tonnes. This marked a substantial increase of 40.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 56%, with a CAGR of 16.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for Morocco's watermelon and melon exports by volume. France accounted for 42.1% of exports, Spain for 31.1%, and the Netherlands for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented 80.4% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Morocco's watermelon and melon exports generated 223.9 million US dollars, a 40.8% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 66.2%, with a CAGR of 18.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when export value dropped by 18.2%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, with a 44.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Spain, and the Netherlands were the leading markets for Morocco's watermelon and melon exports by value. France held a 50.3% share, Spain 28.2%, and the Netherlands 6.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 85.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Morocco

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Morocco's imports of watermelons and melons increased in 2020, totaling 0.3 thousand tonnes. This represented a modest 1.6% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21.2%, with a CAGR of -7.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 13.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil was the dominant supplier of watermelons and melons to Morocco, accounting for 72.9% of total import volume. The remaining imports came from a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Morocco's imports of watermelons and melons declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 0.2 million US dollars, a 7.1% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 3.3%, equivalent to a CAGR of 1.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.7% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a 20.5% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Brazil was the central partner for Morocco's watermelon and melon imports by value, representing 73.5% of total import value. Other markets contributed to a smaller portion of the import structure.

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

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