Watermelons and melons market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon and melon market in Western Africa expanded from 1 761 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 616 thousand tons in 2020. This growth coincided with a broader global increase in demand, particularly in European markets such as France where the consumer base for watermelons widened to include younger, family-oriented buyers. The period also saw the early development and promotion of seedless varieties and mini-watermelons, which began to gain traction internationally.

After 2020, the market volume moderated, settling around 2 360–2 400 thousand tons through 2023. Challenging weather conditions in key Mediterranean production areas like Spain and Italy affected European supplies, influencing global trade flows. During this phase, exports from Western Africa increased, reaching 89 thousand tons in 2023, supported by varietal innovations and the entry of Senegalese watermelons into European wholesale markets.

Production watermelons and melons in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Western Africa's production of watermelons and melons has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2 639 K t, marking a 31.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 222.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 47.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market showed significant volatility during these years. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2020, volumes varied by 3.2 times. In 2020, the output of watermelons and melons was valued at 1 700 M $ US in Western Africa, representing a dramatic increase of 38.2% over the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 138.5%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Western Africa's export volume of watermelons and melons amounted to 31 284 t, which is 15.0% lower year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 23 482 t, while the maximum value was in 2019 at 36 813 t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 15.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 56.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was heavily concentrated on Spain, which accounted for 77.0% of total flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of watermelons and melons from Western Africa reached 20 149 K $ US, representing a solid decrease of 10.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 13.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 16 475 K $ US, while the maximum value was in 2019 at 22 550 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 36.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, with 65.5% of total flows, and France, with 20.2%, together accounted for 85.8% of total exports in value terms, while other partners comprised the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From the low in 2018 to the high in 2020, the peak-to-trough amplitude was 4.1 times. In 2020, foreign supplies of watermelons and melons to Western Africa amounted to 8 573 t, showing a sharp rise of 277.6% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 095 t, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 47.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, with 42.5% of imports in kind, Portugal, with 8.3%, and Spain, with 5.2%, continued to be the main suppliers of watermelons and melons to Western Africa, jointly forming 55.9% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Western Africa's imports of watermelons and melons have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import volume registered 2 387 K $ US, up by 18.7% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 33.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Portugal, with 29.9% of imports in value terms, Morocco, with 21.3%, and Spain, with 17.8%, were the main suppliers of watermelons and melons to Western Africa, together comprising 69.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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