Watermelons and melons market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelons and melons market in Yemen began the period with a volume of 192 K t in 2018, supported by expanding cultivation areas in Tihama and active farming in Shabwa thanks to fertile soil and a suitable climate. However, the market contracted to 170 K t by 2020, a decline influenced by long-term structural challenges in Yemen's agricultural sector which had been reducing its share of GDP. This downward trend reversed sharply in 2021, with the market volume jumping to 230.6 K t. This significant recovery was driven by continued agricultural activity in Shabwa, which yielded an abundant harvest for local markets despite limited resources.

This growth was interrupted in 2022 as the market volume fell to 205.8 K t. This drop was primarily a consequence of acute economic crises in Houthi-controlled areas, which severely disrupted trading in fruit and vegetable markets through unprecedented stagnation and the imposition of levies. A partial recovery followed in 2023, with the market reaching 213.2 K t. Farmers in Abyan continued to harvest and supply cities across Yemen, sustaining production. Furthermore, a new parliamentary law prohibiting usurious transactions enacted in March 2023 introduced a potential shift in agricultural financing that could affect future commercial dealings in the sector.

The persistent humanitarian and economic crisis extended into 2024, continuing to exert direct pressure on agricultural output and consumer consumption. The broader economic stagnation and severe crises constrained the population's purchasing power for vegetables and fruits, impacting the market environment.

Production watermelons and melons in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Yemen produced 181.6 thousand tons of watermelons and melons, marking a 1.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 192.0 thousand tons, following an 11.3% increase that year. However, in 2019, production saw its largest decline of 7.0%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen's exports of watermelons and melons reached 11,583 tons, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Yemen's watermelon and melon exports in volume terms were Saudi Arabia (56.0% of exports), Kuwait (15.6% of exports), and Bahrain (13.5% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 85.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Yemen exported watermelons and melons worth 6,427 thousand US dollars, showing little to no change compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 16.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of Yemen's watermelons and melons in value terms were Saudi Arabia (53.1% of exports), Kuwait (17.1% of exports), and Bahrain (15.6% of exports). Combined, these three markets represented 85.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen imported 16 tons of watermelons and melons, with only marginal fluctuations compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.2%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 6.9%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Oman and Saudi Arabia consistently accounted for 95.1% of Yemen's watermelon and melon imports in volume terms, indicating a highly concentrated market with a long tail of smaller suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Yemen's imports of watermelons and melons amounted to 9 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 13.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, two countries—Oman and Saudi Arabia—dominated Yemen's watermelon and melon imports in value terms, while other markets played a less significant role individually.

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

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