Watermelons and melons market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh watermelons and melons in Serbia fluctuated between 162 thousand t and 203 thousand t from 2018 to 2023. A notable contraction occurred through 2019 and 2020, driven by a fall in domestic production from 199 thousand t to 141 thousand t, which was partly cushioned by a surge in imports. The market rebounded in 2021 and 2022, reaching a peak of 192 thousand t, before declining again in 2023.

Imports played a key counter-cyclical role, rising sharply to over 27 thousand t in 2021 to compensate for lower local output, then receding as domestic production recovered. Exports remained a minor factor throughout the period, not exceeding 4.5 thousand t annually.

In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture worked on amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development, including the introduction of an electronic register for agricultural holdings. That same year, drought and high temperatures in southern Banat affected the harvest, yielding a smaller crop of larger, sweeter fruits. Consumer demand remained robust, supported by the perception of watermelons and melons as healthy, hydrating summer fruits.

Production watermelons and melons in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Serbia's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 141.3 thousand tons, marking a significant drop of 13.6% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 42.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 17.1%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Serbia's exports of watermelons and melons rebounded in 2020. The country exported 4 347 tons, representing a 28.2% year-on-year increase. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.8%, averaging an annual decline of 4.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 390 tons, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 28.6% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Germany, Slovenia, and Czechia—collectively accounted for 63.3% of Serbia's total exports of watermelons and melons in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Serbia's export value of watermelons and melons has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 851 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial increase of 62.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 51.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 083 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.2% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Slovenia were the top markets for Serbia's watermelon and melon exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 45.7% of exports, followed by Czechia at 14.6% and Slovenia at 14.5%. Together, these three countries made up 74.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

The import data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2020, Serbia imported 25 440 tons of watermelons and melons, a sharp increase of 122.1% compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 6 956 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 40.0% that year. From 2018 to 2020, imports varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.7 times.

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

During 2017–2020, three main suppliers—Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia—collectively accounted for 91.6% of Serbia's total imports of watermelons and melons in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2020, Serbia imported 7 793 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons and melons, reflecting a 74.2% year-on-year increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 245 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 26.5% that year. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 99.4%. From 2018 to 2020, the highest value was in 2020 and the lowest in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.5 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Albania, and Spain remained the primary suppliers of watermelons and melons to Serbia in value terms. Greece accounted for 57.8% of imports, Albania for 15.6%, and Spain for 11.2%. Together, these three countries formed 84.6% of total import value.

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

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