Watermelons and melons market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

Following a sharp contraction in domestic consumption of watermelons and melons in 2019, when the market volume fell to 1 201 thousand tonnes, the market began a gradual recovery. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and record exports of 106 thousand tonnes contributed to a further reduction in domestic supply, even though production remained stable. However, from 2021 onward, rising production and fluctuating export volumes led to an increase in the market size, which reached 1 420 thousand tonnes by 2023.

State support for exports played a key role in expanding foreign markets. In 2022, increased shipments to Russia, reaching 26.9 thousand tonnes in eight months due to active work by customs authorities and state committees, helped boost annual exports to 137 thousand tonnes. By 2023, more than 20 exporting companies from Uzbekistan were supplying watermelons and melons to European countries, including Sweden, strengthening the country's position in the international market.

The focus on deep processing of agricultural products, discussed at a presidential meeting back in 2019, gradually transformed the industry. By 2024, a new seedless black watermelon variety was introduced, expanding the product range. Simultaneously, shifts in consumer preferences and seasonal dynamics influenced prices, such as a 29% drop in watermelon prices in August 2024 compared to the previous year.

Production watermelons and melons in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan ranked 13th 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

Following a two-year decline, Uzbekistan's production of watermelons and melons rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 1 254 K t, marking a modest increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 38.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 14.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 232 K t, with the sharpest drop occurring that same year at 32.9%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, K t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Export volumes hit their lowest point in 2018 at 16.5 K t and peaked in 2020 at 105.6 K t, representing a 6.4-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Uzbekistan's exports of watermelons and melons surged to 105.6 K t, a remarkable 236.2% increase from 2019. The most substantial decline was observed in 2018, with a drop of 41.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia were the primary destinations for Uzbekistan's watermelons and melons exports, collectively accounting for 81.5% of total export volumes. Kazakhstan led with 36.1%, followed by Kyrgyzstan at 26.1%, and Russia at 19.3%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Uzbekistan's export value for watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 35 646 K US dollars, a 169.5% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports soared by 970.5%, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 120.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia emerged as the key markets for Uzbekistan's watermelons and melons exports in value terms. Together, they represented 80.1% of total export flows, with Kyrgyzstan contributing 37.7%, Kazakhstan 22.6%, and Russia 19.9%.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed considerable volatility during these years. Import volumes reached their lowest in 2018 at 0.0 K t and peaked in 2019 at 0.1 K t, showing a 19-fold swing. In 2020, imports into Uzbekistan amounted to 0.1 K t, down 21.9% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 50.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 1 805.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan were the leading sources of watermelons and melons imports into Uzbekistan, together making up 80.3% of total import volumes. Russia accounted for 41.1%, Kazakhstan for 26.2%, and Tajikistan for 13.0%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited notable volatility over the observed period. Import values bottomed out in 2018 at 1 K US dollars and peaked in 2019 at 32 K US dollars, with a 23-fold difference between these levels. In 2020, imports totaled 13 K US dollars, a decrease of 60.9% compared to 2019. The steepest decline was in 2018 at 63.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, jumping by 2 185.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Kazakhstan, and China were the top suppliers of watermelons and melons to Uzbekistan in value terms, collectively representing 83.8% of total imports. Russia led with 56.3%, followed by Kazakhstan at 18.8%, and China at 8.7%.

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

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