Watermelons market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon market in Uzbekistan began the period at 1 835 thousand t in 2018 but contracted sharply to 1 226 thousand t in 2019. This was followed by a slight further decline to 1 205 thousand t in 2020, the same year when mandatory digital labeling for certain food products was introduced, requiring DataMatrix codes on packaging. The market volume then stabilized around 1 195 thousand t in 2021.

A turnaround occurred from 2022, driven by an early harvest in the Kashkadarya region and record exports of 82 000 t. Falling wholesale prices stimulated domestic consumption, helping the market recover to 1 357 thousand t. In 2023, export growth continued, with new seasonal records set in the first half of the year, while ongoing price reductions further boosted export activity. Production rose to 1 572 thousand t, lifting the market volume to 1 467 thousand t.

In 2024, the government implemented minimum export prices for fruits including watermelons, sparking debate among exporters. Simultaneously, production of a new yellow watermelon variety began, targeting both export and domestic markets. Export estimates for the year surpassed 150 000 t, reinforcing Uzbekistan's position as a leading regional supplier.

Production watermelons in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Uzbekistan ranked as the world's 9th largest producer of watermelons by volume.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, watermelon production in Uzbekistan increased in 2020. The country produced 1 254 thousand tonnes that year, which was 1.8% higher than in 2019. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 38.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 14.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 232 thousand tonnes, which also marked the largest year-on-year decline of 32.9%.

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

Exports watermelons from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

Uzbekistan's watermelon exports grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 49 241 tonnes. This represented a substantial increase of 650.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 7 013.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 314.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Russia were the dominant markets for Uzbekistan's watermelon exports, together accounting for 83.1% of total export volume. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Uzbekistan's watermelon export revenues increased for the third year in a row in 2020, reaching 11 779 thousand US dollars. This marked a dramatic rise of 298.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export revenues grew by 9 773.5%, averaging an annual increase of 362.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan remained the main markets for Uzbekistan's watermelon exports in value terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 43.4% of export value, Russia for 27.2%, and Kyrgyzstan for 17.6%, together representing 88.2% of total export revenues.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

Watermelon imports into Uzbekistan showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 64.5%. Imports then surged by 533.3% in 2019, reaching a peak of 42 tonnes in 2020, up 121.1% from the previous year. Overall, imports varied 14-fold between the 2018 low and the 2020 high.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine were the principal suppliers of watermelons to Uzbekistan by volume. Russia accounted for 31.7% of imports, Kazakhstan for 27.7%, and Ukraine for 26.2%, together making up 85.6% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Uzbekistan's watermelon import expenditures displayed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year decline of 72.3%. Expenditures then increased by 257.8% in 2019, reaching 6 thousand US dollars in 2020, up 69.0% from the previous year. Overall, import expenditures varied 6-fold between the 2018 minimum and the 2020 maximum.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Ukraine, and Russia were the main sources of Uzbekistan's watermelon imports in value terms. China accounted for 27.7% of import value, Ukraine for 25.1%, and Russia for 25.1%, together representing 78.0% of total import expenditures.

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

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