Dominican Republic: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican watermelon market was estimated at $X in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, posted a significant increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Watermelon Production in the Dominican Republic

In value terms, watermelon production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 25,959%. Watermelon production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of watermelons in the Dominican Republic skyrocketed to X tons per ha in 2022, increasing by 98% on 2021. Over the period under review, the yield recorded significant growth. As a result, the yield reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of watermelons production in the Dominican Republic shrank notably to X ha, dropping by -50% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a dramatic decline. The watermelon harvested area peaked at X ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from the Dominican Republic

In 2022, shipments abroad of watermelons was finally on the rise to reach X tons after three years of decline. In general, exports posted a slight increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 1,232%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon exports expanded markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed perceptible growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 1,190% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), Haiti (X tons) and Jamaica (X tons) were the main destinations of watermelon exports from the Dominican Republic, with a combined 80% share of total exports. Curacao, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Italy and France lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Curacao (with a CAGR of +70.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), Haiti ($X) and Jamaica ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for watermelon exported from the Dominican Republic worldwide, with a combined 78% share of total exports. Curacao, Italy, British Virgin Islands, Canada and France lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 20%.

Among the main countries of destination, Curacao, with a CAGR of +62.5%, saw 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 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 3.9% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon export price decreased by -3.6% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 40% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+8.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into the Dominican Republic

In 2022, approx. X tons of watermelons were imported into the Dominican Republic; dropping by -15.4% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 598%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports fell rapidly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 912% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Guatemala (X tons) was the main supplier of watermelon to the Dominican Republic, with a 92% share of total imports. Moreover, watermelon imports from Guatemala exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Guatemala stood at +48.0%.

In value terms, Guatemala ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to the Dominican Republic, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 17% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Guatemala totaled +47.4%.

Import Prices by Country

The average watermelon import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -13.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average import price increased by 78%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Guatemala amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+3.8%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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