Egypt: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Egypt

In 2021, the Egyptian watermelon market increased by 2.3% to $X, rising for the third consecutive year after four years of decline. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Watermelon consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Production in Egypt

In value terms, watermelon production reduced to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 24%. Watermelon production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of watermelons in Egypt reduced modestly to X tons per ha in 2021, approximately equating the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the yield increased by 14% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the average watermelon yield failed to regain momentum. 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 watermelons were harvested in Egypt; with a decrease of -2.8% compared with 2020 figures. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a noticeable decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 49% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the watermelon harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Egypt

In 2021, shipments abroad of watermelons decreased by -34.1% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 52%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon exports dropped rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 76%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Kuwait (X tons), Saudi Arabia (X tons) and Lebanon (X tons) were the main destinations of watermelon exports from Egypt, together accounting for 64% of total exports. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Seychelles, Turkey, Oman and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 19%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Seychelles (with a CAGR of +20.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for watermelon exported from Egypt were Kuwait ($X), Saudi Arabia ($X) and Lebanon ($X), together comprising 57% of total exports. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Seychelles, Turkey, Oman and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

Among the main countries of destination, Seychelles, with a CAGR of +22.7%, 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

The average watermelon export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 5.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, watermelon export price increased by +71.2% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 59% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Bahrain ($X per ton) and Romania ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Lebanon ($X per ton) and Turkey ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Bahrain (+2.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Egypt

After four years of decline, overseas purchases of watermelons increased by 110% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports saw a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 234%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a measured expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 225%. Imports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons), Oman (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) were the main suppliers of watermelon imports to Egypt, together accounting for 98% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +45.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to Egypt, comprising 69% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 16% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the Netherlands totaled +31.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Saudi Arabia (0.0% per year) and Oman (-15.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average watermelon import price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -6.4% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 23%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Oman ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+42.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :