Watermelons and melons market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in Southern Asia expanded from 7.2 million tons in 2018 to over 10.1 million tons by 2023. Initial growth was fueled by the emergence of new varieties and hybrids, including seedless watermelons, which attracted consumer interest and supported category expansion. Technological advancements in production and supply chains further optimized efficiency, helping the market reach a peak of 10.6 million tons in 2020 even amid global supply chain disruptions from the coronavirus crisis.

Market volume contracted to 9.5 million tons in 2021 as the prolonged effects of pandemic-related disruptions affected operations. Recovery followed in 2022, with volume rising to 9.6 million tons, supported by advancements in cold chain logistics and freezing technologies that enhanced export potential and product quality. During this period, increasing consumer demand for sustainability and transparency also began influencing market practices.

Growth continued in 2023, with the market exceeding 10.1 million tons. This was bolstered by significant export growth in fresh fruits and vegetables, driven by government support and expanding international demand. Policy changes, such as export restrictions on other crops, indirectly benefited fruit production, while consumer trends emphasizing health consciousness and local produce further shaped strategies.

Production watermelons and melons in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Southern Asia's production of watermelons and melons has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 11 512 K t, marking a 15.3% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 30.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 058 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 8.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 23.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Southern Asia's production value for watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, output was valued at 2 556 M $ US, reflecting a 7.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production value increased by 37.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 2 757 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 32.9%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Southern Asia's export volume of watermelons and melons reached 902.9 K t, showing a modest increase of 2.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey were the key partners for Southern Asia's exports of watermelons and melons in kind. Iraq accounted for 55.8% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 20.2%, and Turkey for 6.2%, together representing 82.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of improvement, Southern Asia's export value for watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 200.5 M $ US, which is 17.9% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value increased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was in 2019 at 244.1 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 26.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey led the structure of Southern Asia's exports in value terms. Iraq represented 58.1% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 18.9%, and Turkey 5.7%, together accounting for 82.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes varied significantly, with a 3.1-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, foreign supplies of watermelons and melons to Southern Asia totaled 28.1 K t, a sharp increase of 123.0% from the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 9.1 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 45.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates consistently held the largest share of imports in kind of watermelons and melons to Southern Asia, accounting for 1.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Southern Asia's import value for watermelons and melons increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 18.9 M $ US, up by 37.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 44.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 9.9 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 23.9%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 38.0%.

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

The country composition of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 13.2% of imports, Thailand for 6.9%, and Australia for 3.5%, together forming just 23.6% of total flows. The remaining 76.4% was 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 Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020