Watermelon export volume triples, revenue rises in September

Two months into the main watermelon season, Chapada do Apodi, in the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, Brazil’s leading watermelon-exporting region, shipped more than 22,000 metric tons abroad in September. According to Comex Stat data, export volume was more than three times August’s total, driven by increased harvesting activity in the region.

During the same period, shipments generated just over US$14 million on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, also three times the August figure, supported by strong European demand. Despite these gains over August, both export volume and revenue declined compared with September 2025. Revenue was 22% lower, while export volume fell 26%.

This decline stems from greater international supply this year compared with last year, which put pressure on prices in the European market, the main destination for Brazilian watermelon exports. Nevertheless, this September’s results remained positive, with the second-highest revenue and third-highest export volume recorded for the month.

In addition, according to Fresh Plaza, Spain, the leading watermelon exporter to the European Union and a competitor to Brazil in that market, is nearing the end of its watermelon season, a development expected to support Brazilian shipments. The final quarter of this year is also expected to bring hot, settled weather as a result of El Niño, which should boost yields in Chapada do Apodi.

Source: HF Brasil

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