Watermelons market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the watermelon market volume in Algeria grew from 2 096 thousand tons to 2 287 thousand tons. This expansion was initially driven by the development of large, one-hectare multi-chapel greenhouses in the south for early cultivation, which offered resistance to saline soils and diseases. The regular introduction of new seed varieties, such as Syngenta's Crimson Sweet Hercules, also contributed to higher yields and production capacity.

In 2021, market volume decreased to 2 075 thousand tons, though production remained high at over 2.1 million tons, securing Algeria's position among the top five global watermelon producers according to FAO. A notable export of 23 tons from El-Oued to France marked increased external visibility. By 2022, the market stabilized at 2 077 thousand tons, maintaining Algeria's status as a leading African and Arab producer.

The market surged to 2 490 thousand tons in 2023, primarily due to overproduction which led to a collapse in prices and water wastage. Production expanded from the southern regions into northern wilayas. Simultaneously, Algerian watermelons gained a foothold in the French Rungis wholesale market, enhancing export prospects amid growing competition from other African exporters.

Production watermelons in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Algeria ranked as the 5th largest producer of watermelons from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Watermelon production in Algeria grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 287 thousand tonnes of watermelons, marking a 3.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Exports watermelons from Algeria

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Algeria's watermelon exports amounted to 97.2 tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 29.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2019, exports fell by 28.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 138.3 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Spain were the primary markets for Algeria's watermelon exports in volume terms, accounting for 45.9%, 19.7%, and 11.8% of total exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 77.4% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2018 at 80 255 US dollars and dropped to a low of 35 620 US dollars in 2019, representing a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2019, exports declined sharply by 55.6% compared to 2018. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 43.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and France were the main destinations for Algeria's watermelon exports in value terms, contributing 45.7%, 29.1%, and 10.9% of total export value, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 85.7% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Algeria

Imports in kind, t

In 2019, Algeria's watermelon imports reached 1.5 tonnes, a significant increase of 2,904.0% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was nearly the sole supplier of watermelons to Algeria, absorbing 95.5% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

In 2019, the value of watermelon deliveries to Algeria totaled 3 592 US dollars, which is 12,728.6% higher than the year before.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the key partner for Algeria's watermelon imports in value terms, accounting for 99.0% of total import flows.

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

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