Watermelons market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The Argentine watermelon market expanded from 126.8 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 132.5 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was primarily fueled by a sharp increase in imports from Brazil, which rose from 2.9 thousand tons to 9.3 thousand tons over the period, covering seasonal shortages in domestic supply. Domestic production remained concentrated in traditional provinces like Chaco and Formosa and was influenced by climatic factors and seasonality, while consumer demand centered on the common, more affordable watermelon variety.

After 2020, the market gradually contracted to 126.6 thousand tons by 2023, largely due to a steep decline in imports, which fell to just 1.3 thousand tons in 2023. The entry of new producing provinces such as San Juan, Santiago del Estero, and Mendoza from 2022 onward broadened the national supply base, helping to partially offset the reduced import volumes and maintain stable domestic production levels around 125 thousand tons.

In 2024, new regulations from Senasa for the packaging and transport of fresh vegetables, including watermelons, were approved for both the domestic and export markets. Concurrently, the government launched a substantial aid fund to support agricultural production amid adverse weather, and a company in Formosa began producing smaller, more convenient watermelon varieties, reflecting shifting consumer preferences towards local and differentiated fresh produce.

Production watermelons in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Argentina's watermelon production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 123.6 thousand tonnes of watermelons, showing no significant change compared to 2019.

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

Exports watermelons from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, representing a 106-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Argentina's watermelon export volume amounted to 399 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 10 452.6% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Paraguay and Chile were the two dominant destinations for Argentina's watermelon exports in kind. Paraguay accounted for 77.3% of total flows, while Chile represented 22.7%, together forming 100.0% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Argentina's watermelon exports reached 68 thousand US dollars, which is 1 048.6% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 1 935.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 173.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Chile and Paraguay formed the core markets for Argentina's watermelon exports in value terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

Argentina's watermelon imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import volume amounted to 9 280 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 179.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 235%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, virtually all watermelon imports in kind to Argentina were associated with Brazil, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 7.8-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Argentina imported a total of 3 529 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons, indicating an abrupt uptick of 675.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 455 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 29.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Brazil dominated the partner structure of watermelon imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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