Watermelons and melons market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, watermelon and melon production in Senegal expanded significantly. The government's establishment of a dedicated horticulture development policy, including the creation of a Directorate of Horticulture in 2018, fostered production and export growth, lifting output to 1 201 thousand tons. Production continued to rise in 2019 to 1 233 thousand tons. The sharp increase to 1 702 thousand tons in 2020 occurred despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting commercialization and leaving unsold stocks.

After the peak, production gradually declined. It eased to 1 636 thousand tons in 2021. In 2022, a law banning the use, sale, and distribution of plastic packaging came into force, requiring adaptations in fruit and vegetable packaging and contributing to the drop to 1 518 thousand tons. The downward trend continued in 2023, with production falling to 1 411 thousand tons as unfavorable climatic conditions reduced watermelon yields, even though Senegal strengthened its position in the European market by filling seasonal gaps and saw export growth.

Production watermelons and melons in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal ranked as the 19th largest global producer of watermelons and melons, establishing itself among the world's leading producers in this category.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Senegal's production of watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 702 thousand tonnes, representing a 38.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 444.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 76.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market for watermelons and melons in Senegal exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 146 million US dollars, marking a 40.2% rise from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.4%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 331.5%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Senegal

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Senegal exported 29 356 tonnes of watermelons and melons, which was 10.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 8.2%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 427 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 32 839 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 17.3%, and the most substantial increase was in 2019 at 46.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain remained the primary destination for Senegal's watermelon and melon exports, accounting for 79.5% of total export volume. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Senegal's watermelon and melon exports were valued at 19 755 thousand US dollars, down 9.2% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 16 310 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 21 763 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 33.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and France were the key destinations for Senegal's watermelon and melon exports in value terms, together representing 86.5% of total export flows. Other trading partners individually accounted for much smaller shares.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Senegal

Imports in kind, t

In 2018, Senegal's imports of watermelons and melons amounted to 22 tonnes, reflecting an 80.4% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Senegal's watermelon and melon imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Pakistan and Morocco jointly accounting for 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2018, Senegal imported approximately 4 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons and melons, marking a sharp decline of 91.8% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (42.8% of import value), Pakistan (29.3%), and France (20.4%) remained the principal suppliers of watermelons and melons to Senegal. Together, these three countries accounted for 92.4% of total import value during this period.

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

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