China: Melon Market 2023

Melon Market Size in China

The Chinese melon market stood at $X in 2021, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -0.8% against 2019 indices. Melon consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Melon Production in China

In value terms, melon production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -2.0% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 78% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of melons in China dropped to X tons per ha in 2021, remaining constant against the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 6.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average melon yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2020, and then declined modestly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of melons were harvested in China; leveling off at the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 9.1%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to melon production reached the maximum at X ha in 2020, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Melon Exports

Exports from China

After two years of growth, shipments abroad of melons decreased by -18.2% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted slight growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 75% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, melon exports fell significantly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 84%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Vietnam (X tons), Hong Kong SAR (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) were the main destinations of melon exports from China, together accounting for 86% of total exports. Singapore, Thailand and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 9.8%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Singapore (with a CAGR of +484.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X), Hong Kong SAR ($X) and Malaysia ($X) were the largest markets for melon exported from China worldwide, together comprising 87% of total exports. Singapore, Thailand and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 10%.

Among the main countries of destination, Singapore, with a CAGR of +467.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average melon export price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a noticeable expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, melon export price decreased by -16.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 71% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+14.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Melon Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, supplies from abroad of melons increased by 16% to X tons, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a significant contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 783% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, melon imports declined dramatically to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a dramatic setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 561%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Myanmar (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of melon to China, accounting for a 67% share of total imports. Moreover, melon imports from Myanmar exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Brazil (X tons), twofold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Myanmar totaled -22.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (-20.6% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-64.9% per year).

In value terms, Myanmar ($X) constituted the largest supplier of melon to China, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 24% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Myanmar totaled -10.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (-66.2% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-62.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average melon import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -50.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, posted a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 529%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Myanmar ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kyrgyzstan (+47.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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