Despite Monthly Increase, September Melon Export Volume Falls Short of 2025

Melon exports from Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará increased in September as the 2026/27 season progressed. Export volume rose 155% from August to 22,300 metric tons, according to Comex Stat data. Revenue also increased, climbing 171% to US$21.2 million on a free-on-board (FOB) basis.

The main destinations were the Netherlands (52.5%), the United Kingdom (33.8%) and Spain (5.1%). The 2026/27 season in Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará is gaining momentum and could peak in November. However, September’s results were below those recorded during the same period of the previous season (2025/26).

Compared with September 2025, export volume in September 2026 was down 31%, while revenue fell 28%. According to market participants consulted by Hortifrúti/Cepea, this performance is linked to high production and export costs this year, particularly ocean freight costs, which have prompted some growers to reduce the volumes allocated to overseas markets.

In addition, two factors have limited yields: cooler nighttime temperatures and plant health problems. Lower nighttime temperatures hamper plant development and reduce fruit growth, preventing the crop from meeting ideal export standards.

Meanwhile, leafminers, the most prevalent pest in melon production, have also contributed to lower output, thriving in high daytime temperatures and reducing potential yields by 25 metric tons per hectare, 13% lower than in the same month a year earlier. Controlling the pest requires more frequent pesticide applications, raising production costs, which are around R$36.09 per 13-kilogram box.

According to market participants, production costs are expected to continue rising over the coming months, mainly because of the increased need for pesticide applications to control leafminers, as temperatures in Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará are forecast to remain high due to El Niño.

At the same time, export volumes are expected to remain high in October as the 2026/27 season progresses and Spain’s production season ends. With the European season expected to end earlier than in 2025, Brazilian fruit is likely to find greater market opportunities in the final quarter of 2026. Shipments could exceed year-earlier levels if domestic production problems are brought under control.

Source: HF Brasil

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