Watermelons and melons market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for watermelons and melons in Northern America declined from 2.8 million t in 2018 to 2.4 million t in 2021. Record U.S. watermelon production in 2018, supported by stable cultivation area and improved yields, initially kept the market high. However, variable weather conditions in 2019 reduced crops and supply, and COVID-19 controls in 2020 disrupted supply chains and consumer behavior, leading to further contraction.

From 2021, the market began to recover despite reduced watermelon availability due to smaller planted area and poor yields. The introduction of new product segments like mini and seedless varieties in 2022, promoted through innovative social media campaigns, stimulated demand. By 2023, heightened summer demand for fresh melons and expanded grower programs with advanced logistics helped lift market volume to 2.6 million t.

In 2024, U.S. watermelon production reached 3.7 billion pounds, though consumption edged down slightly. The year saw the launch of melon-flavored beverages and cosmetics, while global factors such as rising freight costs and extreme weather in exporting countries influenced market dynamics.

Production watermelons and melons in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Northern America's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2,215 thousand tons, showing a modest decrease of 4.3% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.1%, with an average annual decline rate of 6.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of watermelon and melon production in Northern America dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1,221 million US dollars, down 2.8% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 28.6%, translating to an average annual decline of 10.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,795 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 30.1% drop. In contrast, 2018 saw the biggest increase at 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.4 thousand tons and peaked in 2019 at 1.0 thousand tons, representing a 2.4-fold difference. In 2020, exports from Northern America totaled 0.5 thousand tons, marking a sharp decline of 47.0% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 144.7%.

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

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility during the observed period. Export values hit their lowest in 2018 at 0.3 million US dollars and reached their highest in 2019 at 0.5 million US dollars, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export volumes amounted to 0.3 million US dollars, reflecting a 46.2% drop year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 96.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the largest destination for Northern America's watermelon and melon exports in value terms, accounting for 1.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

Northern America's imports of watermelons and melons increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region imported 313.4 thousand tons, up 3.8% year-over-year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 29.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 11.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 178.6 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 59.9%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 69.0%.

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

The structure of imports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. Mexico (23.4% of imports), Guatemala (13.6%), and Honduras (8.6%) together accounted for 45.6% of total flows, while the remaining 54.4% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Northern America's imports of watermelons and melons declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 209.1 million US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.1%, with an average annual decline rate of 1.7%.

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

The country composition of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Mexico (20.6% of imports), Guatemala (14.9%), and Honduras (9.2%) together formed just 44.7% of total flows, with the remaining 55.3% split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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