Watermelon export trends in 2023: Mexico leads by volume, Spain by value

Mexico overtook Spain as the world's leading watermelon exporter by volume in 2023, marking a significant change since Spain had displaced Mexico in 2017. However, Spain maintained the top spot by value, selling watermelons at a higher price than Mexico, according to Hortoinfo's report based on UN data (COMTRADE).

 

The world's top four exporters (Mexico, Spain, Italy and Morocco) accounted for almost half of all watermelon exports worldwide in 2023, with Mexico leading in volume with 726.94 million kilos, followed by Spain with 662.91 million kilos. The United States and Greece were also among the largest exporters.

 

Spain topped the list by export value with €486.5 million, followed by Mexico with €347.15 million. The Netherlands obtained the best average price per kilo, followed by Spain and Morocco. Mexico destined all its watermelon exports to the United States, while Spain diversified its shipments mainly to Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Poland.