Watermelons market in Oman

Earlier Report Observations

The Omani watermelon market volume expanded to over 81 000 tons in 2019, supported by the rollout of an electronic permit system for sales, which streamlined market access, and the introduction of new colored varieties by local farms, diversifying supply. However, market volume contracted in 2020, primarily due to a sharp drop in domestic production, even as the government highlighted investment opportunities for processing facilities to add value to the crop.

Market volume recovered to over 85 000 tons in 2021, coinciding with the adoption of unified Gulf-Omani quality standards to reduce product discrepancies and the launch of the 'Itqan' program to boost local manufacturing of processed foods, including watermelons. The following year saw announced domestic production exceeding 56 000 tons and the start of yellow watermelon cultivation in Al Mudaybi, alongside the physical expansion of the central 'Salal' vegetable and fruit market to improve distribution, yet total market volume fell significantly due to a steep decline in imports.

By 2023, FAO data indicated sustained production on thousands of acres, while the permit system became exclusively digital. Looking to 2024, key developments included the issuance of thousands of e-commerce and marketing licenses to facilitate digital sales, the completion of the 'Salal' market with advanced logistics management, and updates to technical conformity regulations alongside the issuance of hundreds of product certificates, all aimed at strengthening quality standards and market infrastructure for future growth.

Production watermelons in Oman

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Oman's watermelon production declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 37 090 tonnes of watermelons, representing a 34.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 31.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 12.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 56 616 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports watermelons from Oman

Exports in kind, t

Oman's watermelon exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5 830 tonnes, marking an 80.1% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 202.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 44.7%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain remained the three largest markets for Oman's watermelon exports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 86.2% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 516 thousand US dollars, while exports peaked in 2020 at 2 208 thousand US dollars, representing an 84.6% increase from 2019. The gap between these years was 4.3-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 17.0%, and the most significant increase was in 2019 at 131.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait (42.4% of export value), Bahrain (18.1%), and the United Arab Emirates (17.6%) continued to be the main buyers of Omani watermelons in monetary terms, together comprising 78.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Oman

Imports in kind, t

Oman's watermelon imports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 46 111 tonnes, showing a substantial 65.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 237.4%, with an average annual rate of 50.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran was the dominant supplier of watermelons to Oman, accounting for 90.6% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Oman's watermelon imports in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 115 thousand US dollars, which is 140.5% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 336.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 63.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Iran accounted for 73.4% of Oman's total watermelon import value, while the remaining share was distributed among numerous countries with smaller individual contributions.

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

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