Watermelons and melons market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh watermelon and melon market in Western Asia expanded from 9 302 thousand tons in 2018 to 9 399 thousand tons in 2019, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's policies under Vision 2030 to enhance agricultural sustainability and food security. The organization of seasonal fruit markets, such as Sajer Market, provided farmers with improved primary marketing channels. Market volume then fell to 9 035 thousand tons in 2020, largely due to disruptions from the global COVID-19 pandemic affecting supply chains and agricultural activities. A strong recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 9 534 thousand tons, driven by growth in the global watermelon seed market which increased the availability of improved seeds and farming technologies, boosting local production efficiency.

After the 2021 peak, the market entered a period of contraction, declining to 9 142 thousand tons in 2022 and then falling sharply to 8 060 thousand tons in 2023. This was primarily due to a significant drop in domestic production, which decreased from 8 481 thousand tons in 2021 to 7 067 thousand tons in 2023.

Production watermelons and melons in Western 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

Western Asia's production of watermelons and melons declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 8 221 K t, marking a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 8 535 K t, when production saw its largest increase of 1.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of watermelons and melons output in Western Asia was 5 072 M $ US, up 1.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.4%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 5 020 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 5 310 M $ US. The most significant drop was in 2019, with a 5.5% decline.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Asia exported 144.1 K t of watermelons and melons, representing a sharp increase of 42.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 70.3%, with a CAGR of 19.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 6.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of watermelons and melons from Western Asia were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Germany accounted for 5.2% of exports in kind, Russia for 3.6%, and Bulgaria for 3.5%, together making up only 12.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia's watermelons and melons exports totaled 88.9 M $ US, showing a significant increase of 49.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 67.3%, with a CAGR of 18.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of exports in value terms indicates a diversified set of partners. Germany contributed 4.5% of exports in value terms, Russia 3.7%, and Romania 3.6%, together accounting for just 11.7% of total flows. The remaining 88.3% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Watermelons and melons imports into Western Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 958.5 K t, down 0.6% from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 983.3 K t, with the largest increase that year at 4.3%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 1.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Iran dominated the partner structure for imports in kind, holding an 80.4% share of total flows, while other markets had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of watermelons and melons imports into Western Asia declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 270.9 M $ US, down 15.3% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.6%, with a CAGR of -0.9%. The peak value was in 2019 at 319.9 M $ US, when the largest increase of 7.7% was recorded.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran was the main supplier of watermelons and melons to Western Asia in value terms, with a 58.1% share. India accounted for 6.5% and Australia for 5.0%, together comprising 69.6% 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 Asia in value, 2017-2020