Watermelons market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

Mexican watermelon production declined from 1.47 million tons in 2018 to a low of 1.18 million tons in 2022, pressured by severe drought that reduced water availability for irrigation and persistent labor shortages in key growing states like Sonora and Chihuahua, which raised costs and limited output. Output rebounded to 1.43 million tons in 2023 as producers adopted more efficient growing and handling technologies and expanded cultivation in states such as Campeche.

Domestic market volume shrank from 900 thousand tons in 2018 to 702 thousand tons in 2023, primarily because growing export shipments diverted produce abroad. Exports rose from 572 thousand tons to 727 thousand tons over the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily disrupted supply chains but also boosted home demand for fresh, healthy produce, supporting internal consumption that year.

Throughout the period, Mexico consolidated its role as a top global watermelon exporter, shipping to the United States, Canada, and other markets. Rising exports, alongside occasional seasonal oversupply, contributed to domestic price volatility. By 2025, production stabilized above 1.1 million tons, supported by more collaborative logistics models and continued growth in leading production states.

Production watermelons in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Mexico was one of the world's leading watermelon producers from 2018 to 2021, ranking 11th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of watermelons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons, 2018-2021

In 2021, Mexico produced 1 194 thousand tons of watermelons, representing a 12.4% decrease compared to 2020. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, production fell by 18.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.7%. The only year that saw growth was 2020, with a modest 1.2% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of watermelon production in Mexico reached 509.3 million US dollars in 2021, marking a sharp 31.6% drop from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, the total value decreased by 32.2%, averaging an annual decline of 12.1%. The sole increase occurred in 2020, with a 1.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports watermelons from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

Watermelon exports from Mexico declined for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 303.6 thousand tons—a steep 48.2% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 46.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.0%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 630.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 10.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the exclusive partner for Mexico's watermelon exports in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total shipments.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Watermelon export revenues in Mexico fell for the second year in a row in 2021, totaling 129.5 million US dollars—a 59.6% decline from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value dropped by 55.6%, equating to an average annual decrease of 23.7%. The highest value was in 2019 at 343.1 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018-2021, the export market in value terms was highly concentrated, with the United States accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports watermelons to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

Watermelon imports into Mexico showed noticeable fluctuations from 2018 to 2021. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 0.2 thousand tons and peaked in 2019, with a 4.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totaled 0.4 thousand tons, a 101.2% increase from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 77.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Over the 2018-2021 period, the United States was the primary source for Mexico's watermelon imports in volume, representing 100.0% of total inflows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Watermelon import values in Mexico exhibited irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 at 0.1 million US dollars and peaked in 2019, with a 4.4-fold amplitude between these years. In 2021, import value reached 0.2 million US dollars, a 67.0% gain from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020, dropping by 77.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States dominated Mexico's watermelon imports in value terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021