Morocco’s Watermelon Exports Surge, Dominating MENA Market

According to a recent report by the IndexBox consultancy, watermelon exports from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region soared by 68% in 2024 to reach 866,000 tons. With 226,000 tons shipped, Morocco is the second largest exporter of watermelons in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It surpasses Turkey. The kingdom recorded exports of $217 million (nearly 2.1 billion dirhams), compared to $124 million for Iran and $39 million for Turkey.

"The Moroccan export price, peaking at $962 per ton, remains the highest in the entire region," IndexBox observes. Between 2013 and 2024, Morocco recorded "an average annual growth rate of 30.1% in value, consolidating its position as the main supplier of high value-added watermelons in the MENA region." As for imports, the United Arab Emirates stands out as the leading buyer, accounting for 49% of the total import value. They are followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The average import price in the region was set at $407 (about 4,000 dirhams) per ton, down 24% from 2023.

Furthermore, IndexBox analysts note that watermelon consumption in the MENA region has declined for the fifth consecutive year, losing 1.9% in 2024. They recall that it had reached a peak of 15 million tons in 2016. "The market is expected to recover slightly in the 2024-2035 period, with a volume reaching 11 million tons and an estimated value of $5.6 billion," they estimate. Turkey, Algeria and Egypt remain the largest consumers, accounting for "nearly two-thirds of the total volume." With 2.3 million tons, Algeria is in the lead. It is followed by Turkey (3.2 million tons) and Egypt (nearly 1 million tons). In value, these three markets account for about 64% of the regional total, with a predominance of Algeria at $1.6 billion (nearly 16 billion dirhams), it is specified.