Watermelons market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, China's watermelon production first dipped due to a reported reduction in cultivated area, then rebounded in 2020 as warmer global temperatures supported sales. The industry simultaneously underwent a structural shift with production gradually moving southward and protected cultivation technologies becoming more widespread.

Output saw a temporary contraction in 2021 linked to weather anomalies affecting yields in key regions. Growth resumed afterwards, fueled by the successful market introduction of new segments like mini watermelons and periods of high summer demand. However, by 2023, widespread overplanting led to intense price competition and a drop in overall market value, despite physical volume reaching a new high.

Evolving consumer preferences for fresh, conveniently packaged produce and the influence of extreme heat on seasonal demand continued to shape market behavior, contributing to noticeable price fluctuations throughout the period.

Production watermelons in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the top position globally in watermelon production.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, watermelon production in China rebounded. In 2020, China produced 62 344 thousand tonnes of watermelons, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 60 861 thousand tonnes, while the largest decrease occurred in 2018 with a 2.6% drop.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of watermelon production in China decreased. In 2020, watermelon output was valued at 50 500 million US dollars in China, representing a 3.5% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 8.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 2.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 52 337 million US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 11.9%.

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

Exports watermelons from China

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, China's watermelon exports declined. In 2020, exports totaled 44.9 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 4.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 47.0 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Macao were the primary destinations for China's watermelon exports in volume terms. Hong Kong accounted for 61.6% of exports, Vietnam for 13.6%, and Macao for 9.6%, collectively representing 84.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of improvement, China's watermelon exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports reached 36 371 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 10.1% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 15.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 40 436 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 25.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's watermelon exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Hong Kong, which accounted for 70.9% of total flows, while other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports watermelons to China

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year increase, the volume of watermelon imports into China declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 97.4 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a 64.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 48.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 19.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 272.8 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 24.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's watermelon imports in volume terms were predominantly sourced from Vietnam, which held a 93.5% share of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

China's watermelon imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, China imported 16 347 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons, constituting a 62.2% contraction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 48.7%, translating to an annualized decline rate of 19.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 43 715 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 37.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's watermelon imports in value terms were primarily shipped from Vietnam, which absorbed 98.0% of total imports.

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

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