Japan: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Japan

The Japanese watermelon market expanded to $X in 2022, growing by 2.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a mild slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the market value increased by 5.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Watermelon Production in Japan

In value terms, watermelon production expanded slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a slight curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Watermelon production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of watermelons in Japan totaled X tons per ha, approximately equating the previous year. Overall, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 4.6% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the average watermelon yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of watermelons were harvested in Japan; with an increase of 1.6% compared with the previous year. In general, the harvested area, however, showed a noticeable descent. The watermelon harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, exports of watermelons from Japan skyrocketed to X tons, rising by 17% against the year before. Overall, exports saw a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 270% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, watermelon exports contracted rapidly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 198% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from Japan, accounting for a 96% share of total exports. It was followed by Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), with a 3.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Hong Kong SAR stood at +56.9%.

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR ($X) remains the key foreign market for watermelons exports from Japan, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 3.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Hong Kong SAR totaled +47.3%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -29.1% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Hong Kong SAR stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Taiwan (Chinese) (-0.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2022, supplies from abroad of watermelons decreased by -36.6% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 437%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports dropped significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a perceptible reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 442%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Mexico (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Australia (X tons) were the main suppliers of watermelon imports to Japan, with a combined 94% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Australia (with a CAGR of +15.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, the largest watermelon suppliers to Japan were the United States ($X), Mexico ($X) and Australia ($X), together accounting for 93% of total imports.

Australia, with a CAGR of +16.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

The average watermelon import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 8.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price posted a temperate increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 an increase of 49%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, 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 United States ($X per ton), while the price for Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+7.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :