In 2025, Egypt not only expanded its watermelon exports to Saudi Arabia but also set a new shipment record, according to EastFruit.
In the first nine months of 2025, Saudi Arabia imported 18,500 tons of Egyptian watermelons valued at USD 6.9 million. This figure is five times higher than the previous year’s exports and 35% above the previous record set in 2023.
Saudi Arabia remains the leading destination for Egyptian watermelons, accounting for nearly 70% of total exports during the reporting period. The export season runs from March to September, with peak shipments in May-July. In June 2025 alone, Egypt exported 8,700 tons, which is 2.5 times greater than the total volume shipped in the entire previous year.
Although Saudi Arabia is one of the largest watermelon producers in the Middle East and is nearly self-sufficient, the country continues to import watermelons to offset seasonal fluctuations and secure premium varieties. Import demand peaks in May-July, coinciding with the domestic harvest season. This paradox is explained by the exceptionally high summer consumption: when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 45°C, watermelon becomes a vital source of hydration.
Logistics also play a role. Given Saudi Arabia’s vast territory, it is often more cost‑effective and faster for northern border regions (near Jordan) and western regions (closer to Egypt across the Red Sea) to source watermelons from neighboring countries rather than transport them across the desert from central production areas.
Until 2024, Jordan was the primary supplier of watermelons to Saudi Arabia, with additional imports from Egypt, Syria, and Yemen (mainly in winter). In 2024, record domestic production enabled Saudi Arabia to achieve 99% self‑sufficiency, reducing import needs almost entirely, except for winter supplies from Yemen.
However, in 2025 the market shifted. Domestic production remained stable, but the population grew by more than 1.5 million people, driving renewed import demand. At the same time, Jordan’s export capacity declined sharply due to water shortages. As a result, Egypt not only regained its position in the Saudi market but also achieved record export volumes.
It is worth noting that China also set a record by importing frozen Egyptian strawberries.
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