Watermelons market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon market in Saudi Arabia showed significant variation from 2018 to 2023. Volume grew to 711.5 thousand tons in 2019, aided by expanded agricultural capacity demonstrated through projects like the Jalf initiative for farmers. After a contraction in 2020, the market recovered to 665.3 thousand tons in 2021, spurred by regional promotional festivals and marketing events that boosted local consumer demand.

Government support for rural development and food security formed a consistent backdrop. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's target of 99% self-sufficiency in watermelon production under Vision 2030 prompted farm investments and supply chain upgrades. Subsequent campaigns, such as the 2022 distribution of 6 million watermelons across 13 regions, enhanced market access and logistical efficiency.

By 2024, the country reported reaching 99% self-sufficiency in watermelon production. Marketing efforts intensified with local festivals like the Al-Hahhab festival in Buraydah, and logistics infrastructure was expanded to handle over 50 trucks daily. Seasonal temperature rises also contributed to higher consumer demand for summer fruits during peak periods.

Production watermelons in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Saudi Arabia ranked as the 21st largest producer of watermelons between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Saudi Arabia's watermelon production declined. In 2020, the country produced 522.2 thousand tonnes of watermelons, which represents a 24.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 13.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 687.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 8.4% also occurring that year.

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

Exports watermelons from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Saudi Arabia exported 103 tonnes of watermelons, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, exports surged by 5 532.9%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 283.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kuwait remained the primary export market in volume terms, accounting for 82.6% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed across numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Saudi Arabia's watermelon exports in value terms totaled 53 thousand US dollars, remaining almost unchanged from the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, export value increased by 5 528.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 283.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait accounted for 82.5% of total export value, with the remainder distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 6 995 tonnes and peaked in 2020, with the peak being 4.3 times higher than the low. In 2020, Saudi Arabia imported 30 000 tonnes of watermelons, marking a sharp increase of 25.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 25.1%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 240.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Jordan (32.6% of import volume), Egypt (29.3%), and Yemen (25.1%) were the key sources for watermelon imports into Saudi Arabia, together representing 87.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Saudi Arabia's watermelon import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 16 133 thousand US dollars, up by 9.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 233.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 203.7%, while the smallest change occurred in 2018 with a 0.0% decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt (32.9% of import value), Jordan (28.7%), and Yemen (25.4%) formed the main group of sources for watermelon imports into Saudi Arabia in value terms, collectively accounting for 87.0% of total flows.

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

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