Watermelons and melons market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the U.S. fresh watermelon and melon market volume declined from 3.6 million t to 3.1 million t. This reduction was primarily driven by a disease spread by whiteflies that decreased harvested acres in Texas, constraining supply. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further affected market dynamics by altering consumer behavior and retail operations.

Market volume recovered to 3.2 million t in 2021, largely due to a record harvest in Florida exceeding 26 400 acres. Growth continued in 2022, reaching 3.3 million t, even as production remained vulnerable to weather variability and climate-related supply chain disruptions.

In 2023, the physical market volume stabilized at 3.3 million t, but its value rose to 2.4 billion USD. This increase was fueled by higher per‑capita watermelon consumption, which reached 16.9 pounds, growing demand for convenient pre‑packaged melon products, and marketing campaigns highlighting the health and hydration benefits of melons.

Production watermelons and melons in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked sixth globally in the production of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

The United States saw its production of watermelons and melons decline for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2,170 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.3% drop from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.4%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of watermelons and melons production in the United States decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1,333 million US dollars, down 4.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,602 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 12.6% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of watermelons and melons from the United States fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 372 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest decrease of 3.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 14.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada consistently represented 90.0% of total exports in volume, highlighting a strong reliance on this market, with the remaining share distributed among other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of watermelons and melons exports from the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 228.3 million US dollars, a 4.3% decrease from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.4%. The peak value was in 2018 at 260.5 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, at 8.5%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, at 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated the export structure in value terms, accounting for 88.1% of total flows, with other markets playing a smaller role.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons and melons to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of watermelons and melons into the United States decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1,265 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate decline of 8.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, Mexico and Guatemala were the leading sources for imports in volume, together accounting for 81.4% of total flows, while other destinations made up the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The United States imported watermelons and melons valued at 795.4 million US dollars in 2019, which decreased by 12.1% to a lower amount in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value declined by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 795.4 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras were the key partners for imports in value terms, with shares of 48.8%, 29.6%, and 18.0%, respectively, collectively representing 96.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020