Watermelons market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, watermelon production in the Dominican Republic showed consistent growth, supported by the overall expansion of the agricultural sector and increased demand from export-oriented companies. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, while some businesses faced closures, processors like Jugos Caribé expanded operations and purchased large volumes of domestic watermelons for export, sustaining market volume. This was complemented by rising agricultural imports from the United States, which included fresh fruits and helped maintain price stability for exported produce.

A sharp acceleration occurred in 2022, when production jumped by 45% year-on-year. This surge was directly linked to the expansion of export markets, particularly increased purchases from Puerto Rico and other destinations, as well as ongoing legislative reforms in Congress aimed at supporting the agricultural and foreign trade sectors. The growth continued into 2023, with production reaching over 820 thousand tonnes, supported by stable fresh produce prices due to easing inflationary pressures and improved crop yields.

Production watermelons in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Dominican Republic ranked 29th globally in watermelon production.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Watermelon production in the Dominican Republic grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 430.5 thousand tons of watermelons, marking a slight increase of 1.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of watermelon production in the Dominican Republic increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, watermelon output was valued at 351.5 million US dollars, showing a moderate improvement of 5.6% over 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, the overall production value decreased by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 285.6 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 25.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, rising by 16.5%.

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

Exports watermelons from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, t

Watermelon exports from the Dominican Republic fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 391.9 tons of watermelons, representing a decline of 17.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 27.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.3%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 664.8 tons. The largest drop occurred in 2019, falling by 28.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 22.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Haiti, Jamaica, and the United States were the top destinations for watermelon exports in terms of volume. Haiti accounted for 42.9% of exports, Jamaica for 26.3%, and the United States for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented 80.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of watermelon exports from the Dominican Republic declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value was recorded at 319.9 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a strong decrease of 14.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 44.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Haiti, Jamaica, and France were the key markets for watermelon exports in value terms. Haiti made up 41.2% of exports, Jamaica 29.8%, and France 9.7%. Combined, these three destinations accounted for 80.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 38-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the Dominican Republic imported approximately 6.2 tons of watermelons, marking a steep fall of 84.1% from the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 44.8 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 3,668.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were heavily concentrated on Guatemala, which accounted for 91.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The highest import value was registered in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 25 times. In 2020, the Dominican Republic imported watermelons valued at 20.3 thousand US dollars, reflecting an intense fall of 37.7% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 32.6 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 67.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 2,401.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Guatemala and the United States formed the core markets for watermelon imports in value terms to the Dominican Republic, with a combined share of 100.0% of total flows.

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

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