Watermelon Prices Plummet in Uzbekistan as Early Harvest Floods Market
Wholesale watermelon prices in Uzbekistan have dropped nearly threefold in just one week, marking the steepest weekly decline in at least five years, according to a report by EastFruit. EastFruit analysts attribute the sharp drop to an early and abundant harvest. Between May 16 and 22, large volumes of freshly harvested watermelons entered the wholesale markets in Tashkent, about a week earlier than in 2024, resulting in a supply surge. On May 23, the average wholesale price stood at 7,000 Uzbek sums per kilogram (approximately $0.54), the highest level for that time of year since 2021. By May 30, prices had fallen to just 2,500 sums per kilogram ($0.20), representing a near threefold decrease in just seven days. Despite the dramatic drop, end-of-May prices were still 25% higher than the same period in 2023, though only half the price recorded in late May 2024. Export Prospects Remain Strong The price decline is expected to stimulate watermelon exports. Since 2020, fresh watermelons have become one of Uzbekistan’s key fruit and vegetable exports. In 2023, the country set a record by exporting 104,700 tons. Shipments remained robust in 2024, reaching 98,500 tons, just 6% below the all-time high. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan recently signed a trade agreement with a leading Uzbek dried fruit exporter, paving the way for regular food exports to Europe and the Persian Gulf. Ecofruit, a major Uzbek agricultural producer, has also expressed strong interest in Kyrgyz nuts and dried fruits, citing their high quality and natural purity.
