Watermelons and melons market in Oman

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in Oman expanded significantly from 107 808 t in 2018 to a peak of 142 891 t in 2020. The initial growth phase was supported by active local production, including the 2018 harvest season in the Najd area of Dhofar Governorate, which cultivated 1,500 acres and yielded approximately 27 638 t, coordinated through the Omani Agricultural Association to supply the central citrus market.

Following the peak, the market volume stabilized at 141 693 t in 2021 before contracting to 108 718 t in 2022 and 103 266 t in 2023. By 2024, notable developments included the nearing opening of the Silal central wholesale market for fruits and vegetables, designed to enhance operational efficiency, and domestic production reported to exceed 56 000 t, aided by fertile soil and pure water. Additionally, the Amanat Muscat began implementing an electronic system for issuing sales permits for watermelons and melons.

Production watermelons and melons in Oman

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, watermelon and melon production in Oman declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 90 429 tons. However, in 2020, output fell to 88 000 tons, representing a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 1.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of watermelon and melon production in Oman showed significant fluctuations. In 2019, it peaked at 57 397 thousand US dollars. The following year, in 2020, the value dropped sharply to 44 779 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 22.0% decline from 2019. This 2019 value itself represented a 19.6% increase from the previous year. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 9.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oman in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Oman

Exports in kind, t

Oman's watermelon and melon exports have grown for two consecutive years. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 5 421 tons, reflecting a 42.1% decline from the previous year. However, in 2019, exports rebounded strongly, increasing by 53.7% to reach a higher level. This upward trend continued in 2020, with exports reaching 11 269 tons, a 35.2% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall exports increased by 20.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain were the dominant markets for Oman's watermelon and melon exports by volume. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 39.4% of exports, Qatar for 20.1%, and Bahrain for 16.7%. Together, these three countries represented 76.2% of Oman's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Oman's watermelon and melon exports experienced notable volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, export value was at its lowest, totaling 2 905 thousand US dollars, which was a 44.7% drop from the previous year. In 2019, it surged by 82.0% to a higher level. By 2020, export value peaked at 5 734 thousand US dollars, showing an 8.4% increase from 2019. Overall, the difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was twofold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain were the primary destinations for Oman's watermelon and melon exports by value. Qatar led with 31.0% of export value, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 29.3%, and Bahrain at 17.2%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 77.5% of Oman's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Oman

Imports in kind, t

Oman's imports of watermelons and melons have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 66 160 tons, a significant 68.4% rise from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 223%, which corresponds to an average annual increase of 47.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran was the leading source for Oman's watermelon and melon imports by volume, dominating with an 84.1% share of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed among various other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Oman's watermelon and melon imports has risen for three straight years. In 2020, import value totaled 13 930 thousand US dollars, nearly doubling with a 98.2% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 186%, averaging an annual growth rate of 41.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Jordan, and India were the top sources for Oman's watermelon and melon imports by value. Iran led with 61.2% of import value, followed by Jordan at 14.8%, and India at 8.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 84.3% of Oman's total import value in this category.

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

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