Watermelons market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon market in Eastern Asia experienced moderate fluctuations in volume between 2018 and 2023, starting at 62.6 million tonnes and reaching 64.6 million tonnes by the end of the period. The initial dip in 2019 was linked to a reduction in cultivation area, which constrained domestic production. Market value, however, displayed a stronger upward trajectory, rising from $35.5 billion to $46.9 billion, indicating significant price increases and a shift towards higher-value products over these years.

Following a slight contraction in 2021, the market volume resumed growth from 2022 onward. This expansion was supported by evolving consumer demand for fresh, nutritious, and regionally distinctive fruit, which encouraged market segmentation and the introduction of new varieties. In 2023, particularly high temperatures in several regions boosted demand, while supply patterns shifted with increased production in warmer southern areas compensating for reductions in some traditional growing regions, collectively pushing both volume and prices higher.

Production watermelons in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's watermelon production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 61 754 K t, but then increased by 2.4% in 2020 to reach 63 213 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 2.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of contraction, Eastern Asia's watermelon production value showed growth. The value reached its minimum in 2019 at 34 813 M $ US, then rose by 2.7% in 2020 to 35 764 M $ US. The largest decrease was recorded in 2018, with a decline of 2.1%.

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

Exports watermelons from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Eastern Asia's watermelon exports declined. Exports peaked in 2019 at 76.3 K t, then fell by 12.9% in 2020 to 66.4 K t. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The strongest increase occurred in 2018, when exports surged by 26.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Russia, and Malaysia were the main destinations for Eastern Asia's watermelon exports by volume. Vietnam accounted for 12.9% of exports, Russia for 4.6%, and Malaysia for 0.9%. Together, these three markets represented 18.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Eastern Asia's watermelon export value dropped. The value reached its highest point in 2019 at 42 998 K $ US, then decreased by 12.6% in 2020 to 37 566 K $ US. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The most substantial rise was in 2018, with a 27.2% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam, Russia, and Malaysia led Eastern Asia's watermelon exports by value. Vietnam contributed 14.0% of export value, Russia 5.7%, and Malaysia 1.1%. Collectively, these three markets made up 20.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Eastern Asia's watermelon imports fell sharply. Imports reached their maximum in 2019 at 299.9 K t, then plummeted by 51.5% in 2020 to 145.3 K t. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 33.1%, with a compound annual decline of 12.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when imports grew by 23.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam was the dominant source for Eastern Asia's watermelon imports by volume, accounting for 80.1% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of advance, Eastern Asia's watermelon import value declined. The value peaked in 2019 at 63 164 K $ US, then dropped by 32.7% in 2020 to 42 536 K $ US. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 13%, with a compound annual decline of 4.5%. The most significant increase was in 2018, with a 17.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar were the largest suppliers of watermelons to Eastern Asia by value. Vietnam accounted for 62.5% of import value, Malaysia for 10.7%, and Myanmar for 1.3%. Together, these three suppliers represented 74.4% of total import flows.

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

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